Bessey, Thurber pace CM women past stubborn Lynx

Concord, NH - Playing in their last regular season road contest, the Lady Mustangs wasted no time building a lead, scoring 26 points in the first quarter on their way to a convincing 84-67 victory over NHTI.  With the win not only do the Lady Mustangs push their win streak to 20-games and finish with a clean sheet on the road during the regular season, but they also clinch the Yankee Conference Regular Season Championship nd earn the top seed in the YSCC Tournament in 2 weeks.

Alex Bessey (Jay, ME) dominated the game, even while struggling shooting percentage wise.  Bessey finished 17 points, 3 steals, and 3 assists while shooting 9-10 from the FT line and taking 2 charges.  Natalie Thurber (Wells, ME) played big once again, scoring 18 points off the bench, finishing 7 for 11 from the floor.  Brooke Reynolds (Poland, ME) finished with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists.

Kristina Blais (Lewiston, ME), Jordyn Reynolds (Poland, ME) and Eraleena Gethers-Hairston (Auburn, ME) all added 8 points, with Gethers-Hairston collecting a team-high 10 rebounds.

According to Head Women's Basketball Coach, Andrew Morong, "The first quarter was more crucial than normal today, and we spent a lot of time talking about the importance of an energetic start.  NHTI came into the game winners of nine straight, including a 25+ point win over SMCC just a couple of nights ago.  We knew they had a ton of confidence, and as usual, we knew they would battle hard for forty minutes.  Alex (Bessey) once again proved why she is one of the top players in the USCAA.  She drew some crucial fouls and converted from the free throw line.  Kristina (Blais) continues to be the the engine that drives us.  She controlled the tempo tody, but continued to show leadership beyond her years.  This was a solid win for us, but we have to do it all over again tomorrow afternoon."

Melissa Martel led the Lynx with 14 points, while Michaella Biron added 13 and Birdget Lavin contributed 10.

CM out-rebounded NHTI 52-29 while forcing 23 turnovers.

The Lady Mustangs improve to 22-1 overall and 13-0 in the YSCC.