CASTINE, Maine – The Husson University women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought North Atlantic Conference road contest, falling 64–52 to Maine Maritime Academy on Friday night at Smith Gymnasium.
Husson (4-2, 3-1 NAC) opened the game with strong defensive energy, forcing early turnovers and jumping out to a 15–8 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Eagles used active hands and transition offense to set the tone, with sophomores Lilly Roy and Saige Evans helping pace the early scoring run.
The second quarter saw both teams trade baskets as Husson continued to apply pressure defensively. The Eagles carried a 29–22 advantage into halftime, fueled by balanced scoring and timely three-point shooting from Roy and freshman Sophia Carnes. Husson forced 13 first-half turnovers and converted those opportunities into points on the offensive end.
Maine Maritime (5-1, 5-0 NAC) began to shift momentum in the third quarter, using strong interior play and improved shooting to outscore Husson 21–12 in the period. The Mariners chipped away at the deficit with consistent scoring in the paint and second-chance opportunities, narrowing the margin heading into the final 10 minutes.
The fourth quarter proved decisive as Maine Maritime continued its surge, scoring 21 points and taking control late. Despite Husson's efforts to regain the lead, the Mariners' balanced attack and rebounding advantage down the stretch sealed the conference victory.
Roy led Husson with 16 points, adding two assists and a pair of three-pointers. Carnes followed with 11 points and four steals, while Evans contributed 10 points, four rebounds, three steals, and three assists. Senior Laela Martinez chipped in nine points and five rebounds, and senior Danielle Dow pulled down a team-high seven rebounds to go along with two steals and a block.
Husson finished the night forcing 20 turnovers and collecting 12 steals, but Maine Maritime's rebounding edge and late offensive push proved to be the difference.
The Eagles will look to bounce back tomorrow when they head to Farmington to take on the University of Maine at Farmington at 4 p.m.
