2006-07 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Schedule/Results l Roster l Coach profile l News l Archives l Season

The 2006-07 Saint Joseph's College women’s basketball team made great strides while building for a bright future under third-year Head Coach Deb Reardon. Entering the season, the Monks were a relatively young team with seven newcomers, five sophomores and three juniors. It was a year of “firsts” in many ways as two first-year players broke into the starting lineup, the team traveled to New York and California to compete in tournaments, and individual players received numerous honors and accolades.

There were several breakout performers this season, most notably sophomore Alysn Ludwig and first-year Carolyn Freeman. After a solid season in 05-06, Alysn Ludwig returned to the court determined to make an impact as a sophomore. Ludwig led the team in rebounding, assists and steals and started every contest this season. A three-sport athlete, Ludwig was honored as the SJC Female Athlete of the Year and earned the team MVP Award.

Carolyn Freeman completed one of the most successful rookie campaigns in recent program history, leading the team in scoring and minutes played. She was twice honored by the Maine Women’s Basketball Coaches Association as Rookie of the Week and captured the SJC Newcomer of the Year Award.

Juniors Megan Farrell and Marie Lint patrolled the paint for the Monks averaging 9 and 8 points, respectively, and were joined by first-year Allison Miner, who earned 12 starts and averaged 5.2 points.

Sophomore Sasha Bowen and first year player sophomore Meg Willette shared time at the point guard position, giving the squad two distinct looks offensively and finishing second and third in assists for the season. Willette was honored with the team Defensive Player Award.

Junior Ashton Coutu, sophomores Sarah Banks and Andrea Enright, and first-year Katey Kamal all had a knack for providing a spark at various times throughout the season and will be looked upon to expand their roles for the 07-08 season. Coutu took the team Most Improved Award. The Monks were without the services of sophomore Mallory Clark who will be back to challenge for minutes after successful ACL surgery.

First years Jaimee Brett and Jeri-Dee Fitzmaurice along with first-year player senior Jamie Morrison, all gained valuable experience as they learned the system. Morrison, Clark and Team Manager Amy Shackford received Best Team Spirit Awards at the end of the season gathering.

The young squad came together in the final weeks of the season, winning three of the five final games including a convincing 63-46 win over Independent foe Maine-Presque Isle in the D3 Independent Tournament. Coach Reardon noted the progress of the team and looks forward to the 07-08 season as the Monks begin competing in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.

Saint Joseph's College FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) was named Co-Rookie for the week ending 2/25/07. Freeman averaged a double-double (10.3 points, 10.0 rebounds) for the Monks, who went 2-1 in three games. She had 13 points in St. Joe’s regular season finale versus Newbury, and totaled 18 points, 18 rebounds over two games at the NCAA DIII Independents Tournament.

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (February 24, 2007) – In the rubber match between Maine Independents, Saint Joseph’s raced to a 20-point halftime lead to defeat Maine-Presque Isle, 63-46, in the consolation game of the Association of Division III Independents tournament at Lincoln University’s Manuel Rivero Hall Saturday afternoon.

Saint Joseph’s won the season series between the two schools, 2-1. The Monks also avenged a 57-56 loss to the Owls six days earlier at Saint Joseph’s.

Saint Joseph’s (11-15 overall) placed three players in double figures highlighted by 11 points and 11 rebounds from All-Tournament selection Megan Farrell. Sasha Bowen finished with 11 points and Meg Willette sprang off the bench to supply 10 points. Overall, Saint Joseph’s had nine players score at least one point.

Maine-Presque Isle (15-8) never got started, despite 13 points from All-Tournament selection Julie Wescott and 12 points from Leah Joy. UMPI’s leading scorer Erica Davis managed just four points and four steals.

Saint Joseph’s scored the first seven points of the game. UMPI rebounded to score the next four points to pull to within, 7-4, with 14:14 remaining in the opening half. It was all Saint Joseph’s from there. The Monks took control with a 18-4 surge that saw them open a 25-8 advantage with 8:16 remaining.

Saint Joseph’s led, 33-13 at intermission despite shooting just 33.3 percent (13-for-39). The Owls made just 6-of-25 field goal attempts in the opening 20 minutes (24 percent). The Monks outrebounded UMPI, 45-25.

Courtesy of Lincoln University Sports Information Office

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (February 23, 2007) - Top-seeded Mitchell College used a big second half burst to defeat fourth seeded Saint Joseph's (Maine), 66-57, in the semifinals of the Association of Division III Independents Northeast Regional Women's Basketball tournament Friday night at Lincoln University's Manuel Rivero Hall.

Mitchell (16-10) overall ran its winning streak to 12 games and advanced to the AD3I championship game for the second consecutive season. The Pequots will face either No. 2 seed Lincoln or No. 3 Maine-Presque Isle in the title game beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Saint Joseph's (10-15) will play in the consolation contest beginning at Noon.

Mitchell senior guard Alva Jeffreys led all scorers with 24 points. Senior Shayna Barnes finished with 15 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore forward Ashley Hansen notched a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Hansen also finished with a team-high five steals. Sophomore guard Shakeya Evans added 10 points and five assists for Mitchell.

Saint Joseph's had three players finish with 11 points: Carolyn Freeman, Megan Farrrell and Marie Lint. Alysn Ludwig grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Monks.

Mitchell used a 21-4 burst over a seven-minute stretch of the second half to take control the game. Mitchell held a slim, 39-35 lead with 14 minutes, six seconds remaining after the Monks' Freeman scored. It was all Mitchell from there.

Evans began the game-altering burst with a pair of foul shots. Then, Hansen split a pair of foul shots, Jeffreys made a layup and Evans scored off of a no-look pass from Jeffreys for a 46-36 lead. Amazingly during the run, Jefferys, who scored 19 points in the first half, scored one basket. The Pequots got contributions from Hansen, Barnes and Evans during the run. After Saint Joseph's closed to 53-39, the Pequots scored seven straight points to open their largest advantage of the game, 60-39.

The Monks did not go quietly. Consecutive 3-pointers from Freeman and Meg Willette pulled the Monks to within, 65-56, with 1:08 remaining. Ludwig made a foul shot to pull the Monks one point closer, 65-57, with 47 seconds remaining. That would be as close as Saint Joseph's would get.

Saint Joseph's led once, 2-0, on a Farrell jumper early in the game. Mitchell took the lead for good, 6-5, on a Hansen foul shot with 15:02 remaining in the opening half. The Pequots stretched their advantage to as many as eight points (18-10) with 7:50 remaining in the first half before settling for a 28-22 halftime lead.

This was the second time this season, Mitchell defeated Saint Joseph's. Mitchell claimed a 66-63 decision over Saint Joseph's on January 13 in Standish, Maine.

Red-Hot Teams Set to Invade Rivero Hall
for Independents Championship Tournament 

CHECK IT OUT!

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (February 21, 2007) - The entire Association of Division III Independents women's basketball Northeast regional championship tournament featuring Lincoln University, Mitchell College, Maine-Presque Isle and Saint Joseph's College will be broadcast nationally over the Internet on Friday February 23 and Saturday February 24, 2007 from Manuel Rivero Hall.

The live, free web cast will be available to parents, alumni and fans of all college communities starting at 4:55 p.m. at www.redzonemedia.com with Matt Martucci, the voice of the Lions, handling all of the play-by-play duties.

Friday's schedule features a semifinal doubleheader beginning with fourth-seeded Saint Joseph's (10-14) meeting top-seeded Mitchell College (14-10) at 5:00 p.m. In the nightcap, third-seeded Maine-Presque Isle (15-6) battles second-seeded and host Lincoln (17-8) at 7:00 p.m. Fans can tune in Saturday morning beginning at 11:55 a.m. to listen to the consolation game (Noon) and the championship contest (2:00 p.m.).

This will be the first time in Lincoln women's basketball history that it will have a game broadcast over the Internet. It will also be the first home postseason game in the 37-year history of Lincoln women's basketball.

In what promises to be a very good tournament, three of the four teams enter this weekend with winning records. Mitchell has won 10 consecutive games. Lincoln, which has established a school record for wins in a season, has a modest five-game winning streak and it closed the season by winning 13 of its last 15 games. Maine-Presque Isle has won 10 of its last 11 games. Saint Joseph's has won two of its last three games. Interestingly, each team has won its last contest.

The tournament also features some outstanding players. Mitchell senior guard Alva Jeffreys enters the tournament as the leading scorer among the four teams at 22.7 points per game. Lincoln has been fueled by the combination of freshman guard Shanice Nesmith (18.2 ppg.), senior center Mary Rotimi (37 career double-doubles, fourth in Division III in rebounding 12.4 rpg.) and junior forward Sharell McMillan (24th in Division III in steals per game). Maine Presque-Isle has been led most of the season by sophomore Erica Davis, who averages close to 15 points and eight rebounds per game. Saint Joseph's top player is freshman Carolyn Freeman, who averages 10.6 points per game.

Mitchell went 2-1 against the schools in this tournament. The Pequots defeated Lincoln, 76-66 and St. Joseph's, 63-33, while losing to Maine-Presque Isle, 59-56. Lincoln did not play UMPI or St. Joseph's this season. UMPI and St. Joseph's split a pair of games this season.

Brookline, MA - The SJC women’s basketball team finished the regular season with a 66-47 win at Newbury College.

The Monks (10-14) got off to a slow start and the Nighthawks enjoyed some early success as SR Jessie Laliberty (Haverhill, MA/Haverhill) proved to be a difficult match-up. Laliberty scored a game-high 20 points in the final game of her career.

St. Joe’s dominated in the second stanza, holding the Nighthawks to just 11 points. SO Alysn Ludwig (Waldoboro, ME/Medomak Valley) led the charge with 17 points in the victory.

FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME/Catherine McAuley) had a double-double on the night with 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. JR Megan Farrell (Abington, MA/Abington) and FY Allison Miner (Pembroke, NH/Pembroke Academy) added 10 points apiece in the win.

Lincoln University (PA) has been selected to host the Association of D3 Independents Northeast Regional Women’s Basketball Tournament. Mitchell College (CT) took the top spot and host Lincoln University earned the #2 seed. Maine Presque Isle and Saint Joseph's College took the third and fourth spots, respectively.

AT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
Friday 2/23/07
#4 Saint Joseph’s vs. #1 Mitchell, 5 p.m.
#3 Maine Presque Isle vs. #2 Lincoln, 7 p.m.

Saturday 2/24/07
Consolation Game, 12 noon
Championship Game, 2 p.m.

Standish, ME – The SJC women’s basketball team earned a convincing 58-70 win over Maine Fort Kent today. First year Katey Kamal (Keene, NH) led the Monks with a career-high 14 points.

St. Joe’s raced out to a 13-3 lead and never looked back, taking a 34-10 lead into the half. Kamal entered the game at the 10-minute mark and scored three baskets in just over a minute to extend the lead to 21-8.

Despite being undersized in the post positions, the SJC women’s basketball team won the war on the boards 51-24. SO Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) turned in a strong defensive effort to go along with 10 points and 7 rebounds.

The Monks continued their strong play to begin the second stanza with SO Sasha Bowen (Boston, MA) picking up 6 quick points. SO Marie Lint (Orono, ME) scored 8 of her 10 points in the half, including a lay-up at 11:01 to go up 55-22.

The Lady Bengals mounted a furious comeback in the final 3:44 as SR Nicole Corbin (Van Buren, ME) drilled 4 three-pointers including one off the glass as the buzzer sounded, but it would be too little, too late.

Bowen added 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and two steals to go along with her 9 points and SO Aly Ludwig (Waldoboro, ME) chipped in with 8 points, 5 assists and 3 steals. Fort Kent was led by Corbin with 21, SR Dana Lemon (Richmond, VA) with 16 and JR Amanda Davis (Fort Kent, ME) with 14.

Courtesy of UNE Sports Information Office

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Forward Katie Diggins '10 (Merrimack, N.H.) scored 16 of her career-high 23 points in the second half, and the University of New England rallied late for a 65-54 non-conference women's basketball victory over Saint Joseph's College on Thursday evening at the Campus Center.

Trailing 51-45 with 10 minutes remaining, the Nor'easters would hold the Monks scoreless over the next 6:16 while stringing together nine points. Marissa Hesketh '08 (Tolland, Conn.) and Diggins started the run with consecutive layups to pull UNE within two (51-49).

Guard Alli Gamache '09 (Dudley, Mass.) put the hosts ahead (52-51) to stay when she drilled a three-pointer from the left corner at the 4:51 mark. She extended the lead to 54-51, taking a long pass from Sheena Weston '07 (Dixfield, Maine) for a contested layup.

The Monks answered right away, sandwiching a layup and free throw by Megan Farrell '08 (Abington, Mass.) around a foul shot by Diggins to pull within one (55-54).

UNE (10-12) would score the final 10 points of the contest over the last 1:28. Sara Pelkey '09 (Barre, Vt.) came up with a key offensive rebound and putback to give the Nor'easters a 57-54 lead, The winners would salt the game away by making 8 of 10 free throw attempts over the last 1:01.

St. Joe's started slowly--falling behind 9-2 early--before using a 10-2 run to assume the lead. The two teams would go back-and-forth the remainder of the frame. Carolyn Freeman '10 (Scarborough, Maine) converted a St. Joe's steal into a layup at the buzzer to give the Monks a 30-28 lead at intermission.

Diggins was 8-for-11 and added a game-high 13 rebounds to record her second double-double in the last three games. Pelkey posted a double-double of her own with 13 points and 10 boards. Gamache supported by tossing in three 3-pointers on her way to 11 points.

Guard Alysn Ludwig '09 (Waldoboro, Maine) had 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals for the Monks (8-13). Farrell finished with 11 points, including a 7-for-11 performance at the free throw line.

St. Joe's is off until February 17 when it plays host to UMaine Fort Kent at 12 noon.

2/5/07 - Cappelloni, McCabe Lead Colby Past St. Joe's

Courtesy of Colby Sports Information Office

WATERVILLE, Maine – Katie McCabe (Watertown, Conn.) and Alison Cappelloni (Sudbury, Mass.) both had 19 points to lift the Colby College women’s basketball team to a 65-51 non-conference win over Saint Joseph’s College on Monday at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

McCabe shot 9-for-12 from the field and added seven rebounds, while Cappelloni had nine rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots.

The Mules led 18-15 with 8:32 left in the first half and then went on a 13-0 run over the next five minutes to take a 31-15 lead on the way to a 37-22 halftime margin.

Saint Joseph’s (8-12) got 15 points and nine rebounds from Marie Lint (Orono, Maine). Alyson Ludwig (Waldoboro, Maine) added 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.

The Monks return to action this Thursday, February 8th, for a doubleheader with the men's team at the University of New England. Tipoffs are at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Saint Joseph's College FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) was selected by the MWBCA as the Rookie of the Week for the week ending January 28, 2007. Freeman averaged 17.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals in a pair of Monk wins. She had 18 points, five rebounds and three steals in a one-point win over Lyndon State, then posted 16 points and four steals in victory over Newbury. Freeman made five 3-pointers in the two games.

Standish, ME – Visiting Newbury College appeared overmatched Saturday afternoon at the Alfond Center as the SJC women’s basketball team downed the D3 Independent foe 69-35. A stingy Monks defense held the Nighthawks (0-16) to just 28% from the field. First year Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) paced St. Joe’s with 16 points and four steals in just 25 minutes of play.

The Monks (8-10) raced out to a 33-17 halftime lead by forcing 12 turnovers and allowing Newbury just 7 first half baskets.

St. Joe’s maintained a 16-point lead through the opening minutes of the second half until a three-point play by SO Sarah Banks (Swans Island, ME) ignited the Monks offense and the lead swelled to 33 points.

Katelyn Mack drilled a three-pointer and Jeanellys Susana scored for the Nighthawks to cut the lead to 27 at 2:33. SJC SR Jamie Morrison (Auburn, ME) connected on a pair of free throws and FY Jaimee Brett (Otisfield, ME) closed out the game scoring the final four points of the contest. Junior captains Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) and Marie Lint (Orono, ME) finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Newbury was led by Jessica Lightfoot with 11 points and Jessie Laliberty chipped in with 8 points. Taraja Laws pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds.

Standish, ME – The SJC women’s basketball team fought off a furious second half comeback by Lyndon State to earn a 57-56 victory tonight. SO Sasha Bowen (Boston, MA) put the Monks up by a point with just twenty seconds to play.

The Monks dominated the first half and built a 16-2 lead at 12:26. A trey by FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) at 7:15 gave St. Joe’s a 25-7 advantage. SO Sara Fetterhoff (Jay, ME) netted two of her game-high 21 points to bring the Hornets to within 11 with 3:15 to go. St. Joe’s closed out the half with a jumper by JR Captain Ashton Coutu (Danville, VT) to take a 33-17 lead at the break.

The teams traded baskets during the opening minutes of the second stanza with the Monks up 39-26 at 15:25. JR Whitney Hoyt (Shaftsbury, VT) capped off an 18-7 Lyndon State run with a three pointer to cut the lead to 2 points, 46-44, with 6:13 to go in the game.

St. Joe’s responded with a jumper by JR Captain Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) and a pair of free throws by Freeman to stretch the lead to 6. Four points by Fetterhoff and three free throws by SO Jackie Wetzel (Braintree, MA) gave Lyndon State their first lead of the game, 53-52, with 1:55 to play.

Hoyt hit a trey at 1:10 to go up four points but the Monks moved the ball up the court quickly and found Freeman in the corner for a three. The Hornets started down court and Freeman stole the ball and found Bowen on the wing. Bowen connected on a lay-up to give St. Joe’s a 57-56 edge.

In the final nine seconds, Lyndon State got off a shot and SO Jennifer White (Danville, VT) corralled an offensive rebound and was fouled. The Hornets missed both free throws and the Monks held on for the win.

Freeman finished with 18 points and SO Aly Ludwig (Waldoboro, ME) recorded 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Castine, ME – The young SJC women’s basketball squad was unable to overcome a 17-point halftime deficit as Maine Maritime cruised to a 71-46 win on Saturday.

The Mariners, fresh off a 51-49 win over #1 nationally ranked Bowdoin College, shot 53% from the field in the first half to take a 39-22 lead into the break. Holding a 41-25 advantage on the glass, Maritime used 13 offensive rebounds to add to their lead.

The Monks were led by JR Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) with 16 points and SO Megan Willette (Waterville, ME) with 10. FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) chipped in with 8 points.

Senior Alyssa Burns scored a game-high 21 points and SR Michelle Gott had 13 for the Mariners.

St. Joe’s takes on Lyndon State on Wednesday, January 24, at 5:30 PM.

Courtesy of Mount Ida College Sports Informatin Office

NEWTON, Mass. (Jan. 16, 2007) – Five players recorded double-digit scoring efforts, as the Mount Ida College women’s basketball team downed Saint Joseph’s College of Maine 81-75 this evening in non-conference action at the Mount Ida Athletic Center. The Mustangs registered 19 assists on 30 made baskets to win their fifth game of the 2006-07 campaign.

Saint Joseph’s was paced by sophomore forward Megan Farrell (Abington, Mass./Abington), who collected a double-double on 20 points and 12 rebounds, both game-highs. Freshman guard Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, Maine/Catherine McAuley) drained three treys en route to scoring 16 points, while sophomore center Marie Lint (Orono, Maine/Orono) chipped in with 12 points and eight boards for the Monks, who owned a 51-35 edge on the glass.

Mount Ida dominated the first half, leading by as many as 19 points (36-17) with 4:13 to go before the break. The Mustangs took a 15 point edge (38-23) into the locker room after shooting 48.5% (16-33) in the game’s opening frame.

Saint Joseph’s sliced the deficit to ten points (54-44) midway through the second stanza, but Mount Ida answered with an 11-2 run to extend its edge back to 19 points with 6:25 remaining in regulation.

The Mustangs enjoyed an 18 point margin (69-51) with 4:33 on the clock. Saint Joseph’s then staged a furious rally in the game’s waning minutes to make things interesting. They drew to within five points (78-73) with 32 seconds left, but Mount Ida drained 3-of-4 free-throws down the stretch to ice things.

Saint Joseph’s (6-9, Independent) returns to action on Saturday, when it travels to the Maine Maritime Academy for an out-of-league clash beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Standish, ME – Past members of the Saint Joseph's College women’s basketball team returned to campus on Sunday, January 14th for the 2007 Alumni Game. The fun began at 1:00 with the alumni cheering on the SJC squad to a 64-53 victory over Green Mountain College.

Standish, ME - Junior Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) posted a double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds) to lead St. Joe’s to a 64-53 win over Green Mountain College.

The teams traded baskets for most of the first half with the Monks holding a 28-22 lead with 2:42 on the clock. Two baskets by Green Mountain SO Natalie Clark (West Palm Beach, FL) tied the game 30-30 at the 1:07 mark and SO Brittany Holden (Schenectady, NY) scored to give the Eagles a one-point advantage. SO Aly Ludwig (Waldoboro, ME) put the Monks up 32-31 going into the break.

The Monks (6-8) started the second half with an 8-3 run after JR Marie Lint (Orono, ME) and FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) netted two baskets apiece. Green Mountain FY Emma Buckley (Lakeville, CT) responded with 3 lay-ups to cut the lead to one at 11:43.

SO Sasha Bowen (Boston, MA) dished out seven assists and scored all seven of her points in the final seven minutes of the game including a lay-up at 3:31 to put the Monks up 61-51.

Lint finished with 11 points, Freeman had 9 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and FY Allison Miner (Pembroke, NH) had 10 rebounds and 4 points for St. Joe’s.

The Eagles (4-7) were led by Clark (15 points, 5 rebounds) and Buckley with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Holden scored 9 points had finished with 8 assists.

Standish, ME – The SJC women’s basketball team suffered a difficult 66-63 loss to Mitchell College tonight. Mitchell’s Alva Jeffreys led all scoring with 18 points.

The Monks (5-8) struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the first half, connecting on just 9 of 31 field goal attempts and went into the break down 31-29. A three-pointer by Jeffreys at 9:28 made it 21-9 and gave the Pequots their biggest lead of the game. Junior captain Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) provided a much needed spark in the half and triggered a 14-0 SJC run with a jumper at 8:59.

The St. Joe’s offense improved in the second half but Mitchell finished with a 35-34 advantage in scoring. The Monks found themselves down 61-54, but a jumper and three-pointer by FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) with 3:53 to go cut the lead to 2 points.

Ashley Hanson scored to put Mitchell up 4, but SO Megan Willette (Waterville, ME) drilled a jumper at 2:26. Farrell cut the lead to 1 on a free throw with just 30 seconds to play and FY Jennifer Inglesias (Waterbury, CT) knocked down a shot to put Mitchell up 66-63 with 26 seconds to go.

The Monks came out of a timeout and got off two three point attempts in the final 12 seconds, but the final shot hit the rim as the horn sounded to end the game.

St. Joe’s was led by Freeman with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Farrell had 13 points, 6 rebounds and FY Katey Kamal (Keene, NH) had 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Mitchell (4-8) had double-digit performances from SR Shayna Barnes (Tarrytown, NY) with 14 points and SO Shakeya Evans (Manchester, CT) with 10 points.

Santa Cruz, CA - The Monks dropped a 67-54 decision to Occidental College in the Championship game of the UC Santa Cruz New Year Tournament today.  Sophomore Alysn Ludwig (Waldoboro, ME) recorded a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds) and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

Santa Cruz, CA - The SJC women's basketball team advanced to the Championship game of the UC Santa Cruz New Year Tournament with a 73-51 win over Fisher College on Saturday. Sophomore Sasha Bowen (Boston, MA) led the Monks with 12 points and 5 rebounds.

St. Joe's dominated the first half with solid defense, allowing the Falcons just 14 points in the half. Up 26 at the break, the Monks continued the attack as the lead swelled to 30 points midway through the second half.

In addition to Bowen, two other players had double digit perfomances; FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) and junior Ashton Coutu (Danville, VT) both had 10. Sophomore Megan Willette (Waterville, ME) had 8 points and dished out a career-high 11 assists. FY Katey Kamal (Keene, NH) provided a scoring spark, recording 8 points and FY Jaimee Brett (Otisfield,ME) scored her first intercollegiate basket.

St. Joe's will take on Occidental College in the Championship game on Sunday at 5 pm.

Purchase, NY - The SJC women’s basketball team faced two strong teams and gained valuable experience at the Castle Classic hosted by Manhattanville College this weekend.

On Saturday, St. Joe’s squared off against Manhattanville College who was fresh off an upset win over defending Skyline Conference champion Mount Saint Mary. The Valiants’ athleticism and physical play gave them an edge as they held a 38-19 lead at the half.

The Monks staged a fierce comeback in the second half after falling behind by 26 points. Junior tri-captain Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) sparked the rally with a basket and a free throw at 15:30. Sophomore Aly Ludwig (Waldoboro, ME) also scored as St. Joe’s cut the lead to 12 with a 13-2 run.

The Valiants responded with 3 quick baskets, but jumpers by Farrell, Ludwig and FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) kept the Monks close. St. Joe’s cut the lead to 10 after a three-pointer by Freeman and a shot by FY Katey Kamal (Keene, NH), but Manhattanville held on for a 59-48 win.

The Monks were led by Farrell (13 points, 6 rebounds), Freeman (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Ludwig (7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists).

St. Joe’s fell to Lehman College, 70-56, in the consolation game on Sunday. Four SJC turnovers in the first three minutes gave Lehman and early advantage, but lay-ups by Farrell, and junior tri-captain Marie Lint (Orono, ME) made it 6-8 at 16:30.

A three-pointer by Freeman gave the Monks a brief one point lead, but the Lightning took advantage of six St. Joe’s turnovers to go up 14-9 and kept the pressure on stretching the lead to 30-16 with six minutes to go in the half.

Sophomore Sasha Bowen (Boston, MA) converted a three-point play to key an SJC comeback at 5:55. The Monks stayed close with free throws by Lint, a lay-up by junior captain Ashton Coutu (Danville, VT) and cut the lead to 5 on a three-pointer by Freeman at 1:40. Ludwig added a free throw but Lehman went into the break up 35-28 after a deep three-pointer by Sally Nnamani.

The Monks continued to struggle with Lehman’s pressure and fell behind by 18 points midway through the half. Fourteen second-half points by FY Allison Miner (Pembroke, NH) helped cut the lead but St. Joe’s would get no closer than 8 points as Lehman closed out a 70-56 victory.

Two SJC players joined Miner with double digit scoring; junior Marie Lint (13 points, 7 rebounds) and sophomore Sasha Bowen (11 points, 8 rebounds).

The Lady Monks are off now for the semester break, but return to action on a west coast trip on Saturday, January 6th vs. Fisher College of Boston at UC Santa Cruz.

Standish, ME – The SJC women’s basketball team dropped a 66-52 decision to Framingham State tonight. Junior Robin Morrow (Belmont, MA) scored a game-high 23 points to help the Rams improve to 5-2 overall.

The Monks (4-4) fought hard during the first half, shooting 50% from the field, but found themselves down 32-29 at the break. The Rams pulled away early in the second stanza and outscored St. Joe’s 34-23 to secure the win.

FY Toya Chester (Leominster, MA) finished with 14 points and sophomore Allison Hart (Somerset, MA) had 13 for Framingham.

St. Joe’s was led by junior captain Marie Lint (Orono, ME) with 15 points and 6 rebounds and FY Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) with 13 points. Sophomore Aly Ludwig (Waldoboro, ME) turned in a strong performance, just shy of a double-double with 10 points and 8 rebounds.

The Monks take on host Manhattanville College on Saturday at 5 PM in the Castle Classic in New York.

Standish, ME – It was a well-balanced scoring attack which led the Saint Joseph's College women’s basketball team to a 69-37 win over College of St. Joseph (VT) in the Merry Monk Classic today. Sophomore Sasha Bowen (Boston, MA) scored a career-high 16 points, had 7 steals, 5 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.

Bowen was joined by two others in double figures, junior captain Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) had 11 points and FY Allison Miner (Pembroke, NH) had 10 points.

The Monks took advantage of seven CSJ turnovers during the first 10 minutes of play to build up a 17-2 lead. Sophomore Michelle Thompson (Plymouth, NH) knocked down a deep three at 9:34, but the Fighting Scots struggled against the SJC defensive pressure and went into half-time down 36-16.

St. Joe’s began the second half as they had ended the first, creating offense from their defense and executing in the half court. Junior captain Ashton Coutu (Danville, VT) kept the Monks on track with 4 second half points and 3 steals and FY Katey Kamal (Keene, NH) scored a career-best 7 points.

Junior Vicki Guetti (Rutland, VT) pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds and led the Fighting Scots with 14 points. Junior Erica Raiche (West Rutland, VT) had 9 points and sophomore Irene Tompkins (Schenectady, NY) finished with 7 rebounds, 4 points, 3 steals and 2 assists.

In the closing game of the Classic, senior Lashannen Hogue (Yonkers, NY) recorded her second double-double of the Merry Monk Classic (21 points, 14 rebounds) to pace John Jay College to a 68-52 win over Maine Presque Isle.

During the first half, the teams battled to a 15-15 tie and Hogue gave the Bloodhounds the lead at 11:22 after scoring on one of her 10 offensive rebounds. UMPI would get no closer as John Jay finished the first half with a 36-28 advantage.

The Owls stayed within striking distance early in the second half, cutting the lead to 7 points on two free throws by sophomore Ashley Epright (Nucla, CO) at 13:57 but the Bloodhounds closed out the game forcing fifteen turnovers and outscoring Presque Isle 17-13 over the final 11 minutes.

John Jay senior Nasira Johnson (Newark, NJ) (11 points, 7 rebounds, 7 steals, 6 assists) was selected to the All-Classic Team. Junior Mahogany Payne (Columbia, SC) finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds for the Bloodhounds.

Presque Isle sophomore Erica Davis (Cumberland, ME), earned a spot on the All-Classic Team and pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds and had 7 points while senior Leah Joy (Swans Island, ME) had 11 points.

Standish, ME – First-year Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) led the way for St. Joe’s with her first intercollegiate double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) as the Monks defeated Maine-Presque Isle 66-49 in game one of the Merry Monk Classic.

Junior captain Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) and sophomore Megan Willette (Waterville, ME) turned in strong performances for the Monks with 11 points apiece.

Willette broke an 8-8 tie at 15:35 with the first of her three baskets from behind the arc and St. Joe’s would keep the lead for the rest of the contest. The Monks ended the first half with a 7-0 run to go up 34-22 on two jumpers by Farrell and a three pointer by Freeman.

Junior captain Marie Lint (Orono, ME) started the second half with back-to-back baskets in the paint as St. Joe’s outscored Presque Isle 16-8 over the first seven minutes of the half.

The Owls went on an 8-0 run to close within 12 points, 50-38 at the 11-minute mark, but baskets by Freeman and Willette kept the Monks in charge. St. Joe’s suffered another four-minute scoring drought with six minutes to play and Presque Isle cut the lead to 57-47 after a three-point play by junior Julie Wescott (Westbrook, ME). Farrell and FY Allison Miner (Pembroke, NH) connected on key baskets and free throws during the final two minutes to secure the SJC victory.

Presque Isle sophomore Erica Davis (Cumberland, ME) recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards, FY Nicole Russell (Newcastle, ME) had 8 points and Wescott finished with 7.

In Game 2 of the Classic, senior Nasira Johnson (Newark, NJ) scored a game-high 17 points to lead John Jay College to a 66-49 victory over College of Saint Joseph (VT). Three other players scored in double digits for the Bloodhounds as senior Lashannen Hogue (Yonkers, NY) posted a double-double (12 points, 13 rebounds), junior Mahogany Payne (Columbia, SC) had 12 points and senior Melissa Escalera (Bronx, NY) finished with 11 points and 8 rebounds.

CSJ sophomore Irene Tompkins (Schenectady, NY) led the Fighting Saints with 15 points, 8 rebounds and junior Vicki Guetti (Rutland, VT) recorded a double-double (13 points, 15 rebounds). Sophomore Michelle Thompson (Plymouth, NH) had 11 points and 6 assists.

John Jay jumped out to an early 12-3 lead but the Fighting Saints battled back to cut the lead to four points with seven minutes remaining in the first half. The Bloodhounds tried to pull away, taking a 25-15 lead at 2:25 but a three pointer by Tompkins and a jumper by junior Tahara Pleasure (Albany, NY) kept the Fighting Saints in the game. A three pointer by Payne with four seconds to go in the half gave John Jay a 28-22 lead.

The Bloodhounds came out of the locker room and took control with a 10-2 run and would lead by as much as 24 during the half as Johnson pushed the ball up and dictated the tempo of the contest.

Standish, ME – Three players scored in double figures to lead the Saint Joseph's College women’s basketball team to a 67-35 win over Maine Machias.

The Monks (2-2) were led by a pair of sophomores, Aly Ludwig (Waldoboro, ME), who tied her career best with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and Megan Willette (Waterville, ME) with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals.

First year Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) had 10 points for her fourth consecutive double digit scoring performance this season.

St. Joe’s jumped out to an 8-0 lead over the first few minutes and Machias was unable to respond as the Monks build up a 41-20 lead by half-time. The SJC defense forced 33 Machias turnovers and had a season-high 18 steals.

Junior Sara Wells (Phippsburg, ME) turned in a strong performance for the Clippers (2-8) with 13 points and 8 rebounds, and senior Alyssa Larochelle (Portland, ME) had 8 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

St. Joe’s hosts Maine Presque Isle on Friday, December 1 at 5 p.m. in game one of the Merry Monk Tournament. College of Saint Joseph (VT) takes on John Jay (NY) in game two at 7 p.m.

Standish, ME- The Saint Joseph's College women’s basketball team dropped their home opener to Maine-Farmington tonight, 89-51. The young Monks squad had few answers for the 2006 NAC champion and NCAA tournament participant.

Farmington first-year Caitlyn Laflin (Farmingdale, ME) led all scorers with 22 points.

First-year Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME) continued to impress, scoring a team-high 13 points. Junior captain Megan Farrell (Abington, MA) finished with 11 points and 9 rebounds and junior captain Marie Lint (Orono, ME) had 9 points.

Farmington jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back. Senior captain Karen Sirois (Augusta, ME) and first-year Stephanie Bossie (Winslow, ME) had 13 points apiece.

Although the Monks were unable to recover after a disastrous defensive performance in the first half, they fought throughout the second stanza, but UMF continued to find the open player and make the extra pass for easy baskets. Farmington (2-1) shot 55% from the floor while St. Joe’s (1-2) was 40.8%.

St. Joe’s returns to action at home on Sunday, November 26th at 3:00 PM.

Courtesy of Wheaton College Sports Information Office

NORTON, MA- Three players scored in double figures as the Wheaton College women's basketball team opened its season with a 74-52 victory over Wentworth Institute of Technology during the 15th Wheaton Tip-Off Classic on Saturday in Emerson Gymnasium. The Leopards were also opening their 2006-07 slate.

The first half featured six ties, but the Lyons never trailed after freshman Jenny Champney (Bedford, MA/Bedford) tied the game at 12 at 13:28. Champney's two free throws with 4:59 remaining put Wheaton up by a 28-21 count, its largest first-half lead, before the hosts held a 37-31 edge at halftime. Wheaton blew the game open in the second half, scoring the first 14 points of the frame, the last 10 of which all came from sophomore Krystin Hickey (Manchester, NH/New Hampton School). Wentworth never again trailed by less than 13, despite senior Cheyenne Noble (Murrysville, PA/Greensburg Central Catholic) playing a hand in 10 of the Leopards' final 12 points. The Lyons shot 57.1 percent from the field during the second half, while Wentworth had a 21.2-percent showing and went 0-for-11 from beyond the arc.

For the game, the Blue and White shot 53.6 percent to the Leopards' 29 percent while hitting 12-of-14 free throw attempts and picking up 16 steals. Junior Becky Aitchison (Norwalk, CT/Trinity Catholic) turned in a double-double for the Lyons, scoring 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting while dishing out a career-high 11 assists. A wing player, Aitchison's helper total was one shy of matching the 13-year-old school record. Hickey notched 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting while going 5-of-6 from the charity stripe and grabbing six rebounds. Champney made her collegiate debut a memorable one, as she tallied 15 points and five rebounds in just 13 minutes off the bench. In all, 11 Lyons either scored or assisted on a basket. Junior Emily Cring (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) recorded 18 points and 12 boards for Wentworth, while Noble had 15 points, five rebounds and four steals.

In the second contest, sophomore Alysn Ludwig's (Waldoboro, ME/Medomak Valley) free throw with 0.9 seconds remaining was the difference as Saint Joseph's College of Maine downed Green Mountain College, 66-65 during each team's season opener. During a back-and-forth opening half, the Eagles used an 11-2 run to gain their largest edge of the first period, 21-16 at 9:40 before five different Saint Joseph's players scored during a 10-0 jaunt, and junior Marie Lint (Orono, ME/Orono) scored with two seconds left to cap a 20-6 run that gave the Monks a 36-27 halftime lead.

Lint's basket at 18:10 of the second stanza pushed Saint Joseph's lead to 42-31 before the Eagles scored 22 of the next 27 points to charge back in front by six points, 53-47 at 6:47. With 1:52 to go, freshman Carolyn Freeman (Scarborough, ME/Catherine McAuley) drew the Monks even at 60 on a three-pointer before hitting two free throws. After Ludwig knocked down a freebie with nine seconds left to give Saint Joseph's a 65-62 lead, the Eagles pushed the ball down court, and sophomore Brittany Holden (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen) knotted the game with 0.9 seconds remaining on a long-range shot from the left corner. However, Ludwig was fouled before the Monks could inbound the ball and hit the winning free throw.

Freeman led Saint Joseph's with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Lint and Ludwig contributed 18 and 13 points, respectively. Freshman Allison Miner (Pembroke, NH/Pembroke Academy) added eight points and 10 rebounds. Holden hit 10-of-20 shots to notch 23 points for the Eagles, while sophomore Natalie Clark (West Palm Beach, FL/Montverde Academy) was the only other Green Mountain player in double figures with 12.

The Wheaton Tip-Off Classic concludes tomorrow when the Lyons take on Green Mountain at 1:00 p.m., and Saint Joseph's faces Wentworth at 3:00 p.m.