WESTON, Mass. – Despite an early lead from UMPI, Regis College bounced back and never let go, defeating University of Maine at Presque Isle, 82-54, Wednesday afternoon in a non-conference women's basketball game at Higgins Court.
After scoring the first four points of the game for the Owls and jumping to a 10-2 lead in the first three minutes, Regis battled back to close out the first quarter on a 21-2 run taking an 11-point lead at 23-12.
The Pride extended its offensive output in the second quarter, shooting 52.9 percent from the field going 9-for-17. Regis pushed ahead in the second quarter as the teams traded baskets throughout the period until Madi Zancan (Cumberland, R.I.) made three baskets in a row, with Fatma Fatah (Bedford, N.H.) and Jesmari Perdicho (Southbury, Conn.) to follow, closing out the second quarter with jump shots to nearly double the score of the Owls (45-28) by halftime.
UMPI saw a spike in its offensive output in the third quarter to outscore the Pride 17-13, with the Pride still leading 58-45, heading into the fourth and final quarter.
Regis scored the first 14 points of the final quarter with layups from Emma Pollini (Derry, N.H.) and Zancan, while Erika Marinelli (Point Pleasant, N.J.) and Jillian Perry (Melrose, Mass.) contributed three-pointers to enhance its lead by 18, at 72-45. The Owls responded with a layup from Lindsay Hamilton and a three-pointer from Anaira Ayala just after a jumper from the Pride, however, the Owls could not make a comeback as the Pride pulled away with a 82-54 victory.
Zancan led the Pride with 19 points and 10 rebounds to finish with a double-double, while Courtney Doherty (Willimantic, Conn.) contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Bella George (Lynnfield, Mass.) finished with 12 points and two rebounds while Marinelli earned 11 points, two rebounds and five assists.
Alexis Ireland led the Owls with 26 points, 17 rebounds six assists and two steals while Ayala earned 15 points, and five rebounds.
Regis (2-11, 1-2 GNAC) are scheduled to travel to face Mitchell College on Saturday, Jan. 18 starting at 1:00 p.m.
UMPI (3-10, 2-4 NAC) are set to host Vermont State University – Lyndon on Sunday, Jan. 19, with a 12:00 p.m. tipoff.