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                               SEASON  COMPLETED

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Wednesday, February 27, 2002

NCAA Division III Tournament
Emmanuel College Upsets Southern Maine, 61-53

	GORHAM, Maine.: Senior guard Brianne Bognanno (Canton. Mass.) scored a 
team-high 16 points and the Emmanuel College Saints overcame a defensive 
struggle with the University of Southern Maine Huskies en route to a 63-51 
triumph Tuesday night at the Hill Gymnasium. 
	Emmanuel, which improved to 27-2, will now travel to Bowdoin College 
(24-1), which received a first-round bye, for a second-round game on Saturday 
afternoon.  Southern Maine concludes the year with a 25-3 slate.
	The Saints employed an aggressive, trapping defense to pull away from the 
Huskies late in the game.  With the scored tied at 49-49 with 6:26 remaining in 
the contest, the Saints closed out the game with a 14-2 run.  Emmanuel forced 25 
turnovers, and held Southern Maine to 20 field goals on 59 attempts (.339). 
	Emmanuel took the lead for good at 51-49 on a running layup by Bognanno 
with 6:09 remaining. After sophomore guard Nessie Parham (Attleboro, Mass.) hit 
the second of two foul shots to extend the lead to 52-49 with 5:20 remaining, 
Southern Maine scored its final hoop of the night with 3:05 remaining when 
senior guard Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) pulled the Huskies within 52-51.
	Emmanuel responded with a follow-up shot by junior forward Julia Dermirer 
(Frederick, Md.) to grab a 54-51 lead with 2:43 remaining, and ignite a game-
ending 11-0 run.
	Despite, the final outcome, the Huskies held the upperhand throughout much 
of the second half. The game was tied, 28-28 at the break and witnessed three 
additional ties early in the second half as the two teams traded baskets.  
Southern Maine opened its largest lead of the second half at 45-40, when 
sophomore guard Nikki Allen (Blue Hill, Maine) hit a lay-up and made the ensuing 
foul shot with 11:43 remaining.
	The Saints, who would outscore the Huskies by a 23-6 margin the rest of 
the way, took their first lead of the second half at 48-47 with 8:42 remaining, 
when Dermirer sank a pair of free throws.  Sophomore guard Meg Cressler 
(Appleton, Maine) answered with a running lay-up to give the Huskies their final 
advantage of the game at 49-48 with 6:26 remaining. Senior Marcy Tillman 
(Saginaw, Mich.) tied the game at 49-49 when she sank the second of two free 
throws..
	Senior forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) led the Huskies with game 
highs of 17 points and 16 rebounds, while junior guard Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) 
added 10 points, and Cressler contributed 11 points.
	Emmanuel College received 14 points from sophomore forward Melanie Sloan 
(Columbus, Ohio) and 10 points from Dermirer.

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Sunday, February 24, 2002

USM Huskies To Host Emmanuel College in NCAA First Round

	GORHAM, Maine  --  The University of Southern Maine Huskies women's 
basketball team will host Emmanuel College (26-2) in the first round of the 
Northeast Regional in the 2002 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship 
that begins this Wednesday (February 27).  The entire 50-team tournament field 
was announced Sunday evening by the Sue Lauder, chair of the NCAA Division III 
Women's Basketball Selection Committee, and Donnie Wagner, Assistant Director of 
Championships and NCAA liaison to the selection committee.
	Southern Maine, 25-2 overall, earned one of the 36 automatic qualifier 
berths by winning its sixth consecutive Little East Conference championship, 
beating Eastern Connecticut State University, 73-61, on Saturday.  USM is one of 
six schools from the Northeast Region to earn an automatic berth by winning its 
conference tournament.  The Huskies are making their eighth straight appearance 
in the NCAA tournament, and 16th trip to the big dance in the last 17 years.
	Other schools earning automatic qualifier slots from the Northeast Region 
included Bowdoin College (25-1) of the New England Small College Athletic 
Conference (NESCAC), Salem State College (21-6) of the Massachusetts State 
College Athletic Conference (MASCAC), Salve Regina University (24-4) of 
Commonwealth Coast Conference, Springfield College (24-3) representing the New 
England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) and Emmanuel of the Great 
Northeast Conference (GNAC).
	Eastern Connecticut received one of the seven Pool C at-large berths to 
make the field of 50.
	Other first round pairings have Eastern Connecticut hosting Salem State, 
and Salve Regina will entertain Kean College from New Jersey.  Those games will 
be played Wednesday evening at the on-campus location of the higher seeded team.
	The winner of the Southern Maine-Emmanuel game will play at top seeded 
Bowdoin College.  The winner of the Eastern Connecticut-Salem State game will 
play at second seeded Springfield.  Those games will be played on Saturday 
(March 2).


          NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship Tournament

Who:    University of Southern Maine  vs.  Emmanuel College

When:   Wednesday, February 27, 2002     7:00 p.m.

Where:  Warren G. Hill Gymnasium,  Gorham, Maine

Team Info:    Southern Maine  25-2 overall, 13-1 Little East Conference (tied 
    for first place)
    Little East tournament champion (sixth consecutive year)
    8th straight NCAA tournament appearance, 16th in the last 17 years since 
        moving from NAIA to NCAA in 1985.
    All-time record in NCAA play is 28-16.
    Best finishes - 2nd place in 1998 and 2000;  4th place in 1988
    Last year - Lost to Springfield College in the first round
    Head Coach:  Gary Fifield  (Vermont '74,  371-67 (.847 pct.) overall)

    Scoring Leaders: - Meg Cressler, Soph., G, 13.7 ppg;  Kara Crockett, Jr., F, 
    11.2 ppg;  Jaime Zahm, Jr., F, 9-4 ppg;  Jess Libby, Jr., G/F, 8.1 ppg;  
    Niki Dominiczak, Sr., F/G, 7.2 ppg;  Nikki Allen, Fr., G, 6.0 ppg.

    Rebounding Leaders - Zahm, 8.2 rpg;  Dominiczak, 6.8 rpg;  Crockett, 5.5 
    rpg;  Cressler, 5.0 rpg.

    Assist Leaders -  Dominiczak, 3.1 apg;  Libby, 2.4 apg;  Cressler, 2.4 apg.

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Saturday, February 23, 2002

Southern Maine Wins Sixth-Consecutive Little East Conference Tournament
Huskies Knock Off Eastern Conn., 73-61;  Cressler Named Most Outstanding Player

	GORHAM, Maine  --  Sophomore guard Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) earned 
tournament Most Outstanding Player honors after scoring a career-high 24 points 
to lead the University of Southern Maine Huskies to a 73-61 triumph over the 
Eastern Connecticut State University Warriors in the championship game of the 
Little East Conference Tournament Saturday afternoon at the Hill Gymnasium.
	Southern Maine, which improved to 25-2, earns the league's automatic bid 
to the NCAA Division III Tournament, while Eastern Connecticut, which fell to 
25-2, will await word on an at-large bid. The 50-member tournament field will be 
announced tomorrow night.
	The Huskies have now won six consecutive LEC Championships, and 13 overall 
in the 16-year history of the league tournament.
	Southern Maine trailed only once in the ball game, 17-16 with 7:20 
remaining in the half. However, Cressler answered with a three-pointer from the 
top of the key to give the Huskies the lead for good at 19-17 with 6:57 
remaining in the contest. The team's traded baskets throughout the remainder of 
the half, before entering the break with the Huskies holding a 32-30 advantage.
	Cressler opened the second half by draining a long jumper form the right 
elbow, but senior forward Kristyn Grassi (Tolland, Conn.) replied with a pair of 
free throws to pull Eastern Connecticut within 34-32 with 19:35 remaining. 
However, Eastern Connecticut would come no closer throughout the remainder of 
the contest.
	The Huskies went on a 12-4 run to grab a 46-36 advantage with 14:50 
remaining. Eastern Connecticut made a final run, and pulled within four points 
on two occasions, the last time coming at 48-44 with 10:43 to play.  Junior 
forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) hit a follow-up shot and converted on 
the ensuing rebound to put the Huskies up 51-44, but Grassi answered with a 
spinning layup to pull the Warriors within 51-46 with 10:06 left to play.
	Southern Maine proceeded to break the game open with a 12-2 run to grab a 
63-48 advantage with 5:10 remaining. Cressler scored seven points during the 
run, including the first five.
	Eastern Connecticut cut the margin to 10 points twice, the final time 
coming at 71-61 with 46 second to play.
	Sophomore forward Nikki Allen (Blue Hill, Maine) added 12 points for the 
Huskies, while junior forward Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) added 11 points, and 
Crockett contributed 10 points.
	Eastern Connecticut was paced by sophomore forward Allison Coleman (Jewett 
City, Conn.), who scored 23 points, while senior guard Darcy Mund (Marlborough, 
Conn.) added 12 points and sophomore guard Kathleen Burdelski (Newington, Conn.) 
scored 10 points.

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Friday, February 22, 2002

Southern Maine Downs Keene State in LEC Tournament
Eastern Connecticut and Southern Maine to Meet in Tomorrow's Final

	GORHAM, Maine.: Sophomore guard Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) scored a 
team-high 16 points, as the University of Southern Maine Huskies overcame a 
determined effort from the upset-minded Keene State College Owls to post a 63-51 
win in the semifinals of the Little East Conference Tournament Friday night at 
Hill Gym.
	The Huskies, who improved to 24-2 overall, will now advance to tomorrow's 
LEC Championship game (3:00 PM), where they will face Eastern Connecticut State 
University, which improved to 25-2 with an posted an 82-76 win over Plymouth 
State College. Southern Maine and Eastern Connecticut split the two-game 
regular-season series, with each winning on its home court. 
	Keene State fell to 16-9 overall, and will now await word on a possible 
ECAC Tournament bid.
	Southern Maine, which took a 29-22 lead into the break, extended its 
advantage to 31-22, when senior guard Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) hit a 
running baseline jumper with 19 minutes to play. However, Keene State responded 
with a 7-0 run, culminating with a three-pointer from junior forward Hayley 
Alaimo (Ellington, Conn.) to pull within 31-29 with 16:46 remaining. The Owls 
would pull no closer throughout the rest of the game.
	Over the ensuing 4:20, Southern Maine outscored Keene State by a 9-1 
margin to build a 40-30 advantage with 12:26 remaining. The Owls pulled within 
seven points on three occasions - with the final time coming at 50-43 with 5:39 
to play, when sophomore guard Shannon Clarke (Trenton, N.J.) hit a running 
layup.
	The Huskies maintained their advantage by hitting 7-of-10 free throws down 
the stretch. Overall, Southern Maine enjoyed a decided advantage at the foul 
line, where it sank 22-of-31 attempts. By comparison, Keene State made just 
2-of-6 foul shots.
	Senior forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) added 11 points and seven 
rebounds, while junior forward Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) contributed 12 points 
for the Huskies. 
	Keene State was paced by Alaimo, who scored 12 points, while freshman 
guard Cathy Mechare (Falls Village, Conn.) added nine points.
	In the first game, sophomore forward Allison Coleman (Jewett City, Conn.) 
scored a LEC Tournament single-game record 34 points to lead Eastern Connecticut 
to a narrow 82-76 win over Plymouth State. 
	Eastern Connecticut held a 63-49 advantage with nine minutes remaining, 
before Plymouth State closed with a furious 27-14 run, culminating with a three-
pointer from junior guard Jenn Pelletier (Derry, N.H.) to pull within 77-76 with 
24 seconds remaining. 
	However, Coleman and sophomore forward Deanne Prior (Scituate, R.I.) 
combined for three free throws, and Prior added a layup at the buzzer, to 
account for the 82-76 final.
	Junior forward Courtney Albert (Hudson, N.H.) paced the Panthers' attack 
with 21 points.

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Saturday, February 16, 2002

Eastern Connecticut Halts Southern Maine's Win-Streak at 20 Games
Southern Maine to Host Semifinals and Finals of LEC Tournament

	WILLIMANTIC, Conn.: Sophomore guard Allison Coleman (Jewett City, Conn.) 
scored a game-high 23 points to pace four players in double figures, as Eastern 
Connecticut State earned a share of the Little East Conference regular-season 
title with a 75-56 win over the University of Southern Maine Saturday afternoon 
at Geissler Gymnasium.
	The two teams compiled identical 13-1 league slates, and each teams' lone 
loss was suffered on the other teams' home court. However, Southern Maine won 
the ensuing coin toss and will serve as the number-one seed and host of the 
semifinal and final rounds of the LEC Tournament to be played on Friday and 
Saturday, February 22-23.
	Eastern Connecticut, which extended its own winning streak to 13 games and 
snapped Southern Maine's at 20 games, concludes the regular season with an 
overall mark of 24-1, while Southern Maine fell to 23-2
	The Huskies never led in the game, and managed to tie the score only once, 
2-2 on a pair of free throws from junior center Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine). 
Eastern Connecticut responded with a 19-6 run to grab a 21-8 advantage with 
12:31 remaining in the half.  Southern Maine slowly trimmed the deficit, and 
pulled to within 25-20 with 8:53 to play, when junior forward Jessica Libby 
(Orono, Maine) scored her second consecutive basket.
	However, Eastern Connecticut closed out the half with a 20-11 run to build 
a commanding 45-31 advantage at the break. The Warriors largest lead of the half 
came at 45-29, when sophomore Coleman drained a running jumper in the lane with 
2:51 remaining. The run was fueled by the outside shooting of senior forward 
Joanna Debicki (Shelton, Conn.), who connected on four three-pointers during 
this stretch. USM senior forward Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) drove the 
baseline with two seconds remaining in the half to account for the 45-31 score 
at the intermission.
	In the second half, the Huskies could pull no closer than 50-40, when 
senior forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) sank a single free throw with 15:11 
to play. The Warriors answered with a 13-3 run to build a 63-43 advantage with 
8:27 remaining. The Warriors largest lead was 72-50 with 2:17 left to play.
	Eastern Connecticut held a decided 47-34 edge on the boards, and connected 
on 30-of-71 (.423) field goal attempts, including a blistering 61 percent (20-
of-33) in the first half, while holding Southern Maine to just 20 field goals on 
53 attempts (.377).
	Debicki added 19 points and a game-high 10 rebounds, while sophomore guard 
Kathleen Burdelski (Newington, Conn.) and senior forward Kristyn Grassi 
(Tolland, Conn.) contributed 12 points apiece.
	Southern Maine was led by sophomore guard Meghan Cressler (Appleton, 
Maine), who scored 12 points and collected eight boards.  Crockett added nine 
points and Dominiczak and Zahm scored eight points each.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2002

Huskies Win 20th Straight, Squeak by UMass Boston 67-64

	BOSTON, Mass.  --  Junior forward Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) came off the 
bench to score a team-high 17 points to pace four players in double figures as 
the University of Southern Maine Huskies won their 20th straight game, beating 
the University of Massachusetts Boston, 67-64, in a Little East Conference game 
at the Clark Athletic Center Tuesday night.
	The win improved the nationally-ranked Huskies overall record to 23-1 on 
the season.  USM remained unbeaten in the Little East with a 13-0 mark.  The 
Huskiesí 20-game winning streak is the second longest in school history behind 
the 22-game streak during the 1997-98 season.  The vastly improved Beacons 
slipped to 13-11 overall and 5-8 in the conference.
	The Huskies used an 11-0 run early in the first half to wipe out a three-
point deficit (6-3) and take a 14-6 lead.  Sophomore Meg Cressler (Appleton, 
Maine) led the surge with five points, and junior Kara Crockett (Glenburn, 
Maine) chipped in with four points.
	UMass Boston closed within two (21-19) after an 8-1 run midway through the 
half, keyed by four points from Felicia Haynes (Hyde Park, Mass.).  USM closed 
out the half with a 9-4 run over the final five minutes to take a 30-23 lead 
into the locker room.
	Crockett , Libby and senior Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) each scored 
ten points in the second half as the Huskies nursed their lead between 3-8 
points until the two minutes.  The Beacons pulled within one (65-64) with 1:18 
to play after Haynes stole the ball and scored on a layup.  
	Libbyís layup with 20 seconds to go pushed the lead back to three, and the 
Huskies had to withstand a missed three-point shot by senior Keyanna Smith 
(Jamaica Plain, Mass.) at the buzzer to hang on for the win.
	Libby connected on 6 of 11 shots from the floor, but struggled at the foul 
line making just 4 of 10 for her 17 points.  Crockett, made 7 of 9 shots, 
including 5 of 6 in the second half, to finish with 14 points.  Cressler had 11 
of her 14 points in the first half while Dominiczak tallied all 10 of her points 
after the intermission and pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds for a double-
double.
	Junior Andreen Gilpin (Boston, Mass.) led the upset-minded Beacons with 18 
points and grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds.  Haynes finished the game with 14 
points and 12 rebounds, while junior Jamila Gales (Boston, Mass.) contributed 10 
points and nine rebounds.
	Southern Maine shot 45 percent (21 for 47) from the floor, but connected 
on only 23 of 36 free throw tries (64 percent).  UMass Boston hit on 40 percent 
of its shots (22 of 55) and had a 43-27 advantage on the boards.
	The Huskies, who have earned a first round bye in the upcoming Little East 
Conference tournament, travel to nationally-ranked Eastern Connecticut State 
University for their regular season finale on Saturday.  Game time is 1:00 p.m.  
UMass Boston will host Western Connecticut State in an LEC matchup, also on 
Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

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Saturday, February 9, 2002

Balanced Attack Carries Huskies Past Anchorwomen, 63-47
USM Extends Win Streak to 19

	PROVIDENCE, R.I.  --  Senior forward Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) 
scored a team-high 12 points to pace four players in doubles figures as the 
University of Southern Maine Huskies used a balanced attack to knock off the 
Rhode Island College Anchorwomen, 63-47, in a Little East Conference game 
Saturday afternoon.
	The win was the 19th straight for the nationally-ranked Huskies, who 
improved to 22-1 overall and remained unbeaten in conference play (12-0).  Rhode 
Island College dipped to 4-19 and 1-11 in the conference.  The loss eliminated 
the Anchorwomen for the LEC's six-team postseason championship tournament.
	The Huskies used an early 16-0 outburst to erase a four-point deficit and 
take command of the game.  Dominiczak ignited the run with free throw and had 
five points during the nine-minute span.  Five different players scored for USM 
during the run.
	Southern Maine finished the first half with a 34-17 lead when sophomore 
Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) hit a three-pointer from the corner with five 
seconds to go.
	Southern Maine continued its balanced attack in the second half to push 
the lead to a game-high 27 points on two occasions, the last at 59-32 when 
junior forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) grabbed an offensive rebound and 
scored with 4:57 to play.
	Sophomore guard Angela Sarette (Putnam, Conn.) sparked a 15-4 Anchorwomen 
run over the final five minutes to close the gap to the final 16-point margin.
	Sophomore guard Nikki Allen (Blue Hill, Maine), Zahm and Cressler all 
finished with 11 points.  Junior Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) came off the bench to 
add nine.  
	Zahm grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds to lead the Huskies to a huge 
advantage on the boards (50-30).  Dominiczak and junior Kara Crockett (Glenburn, 
Maine) each had nine caroms.
	Sarette was the only RIC player to reach double figures, finishing with a 
game-high 23 points.  No other RIC player had more than six points.
	Southern Maine's next game is Tuesday night (February 12) at the 
University of Massachusetts Boston.  Game time is 5:30 p.m.  Rhode Island 
College will be at home against the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, also 
on Tuesday

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Tuesday, February 5, 2002

Huskies Edge Panthers, 79-75, to Extend Win Streak to 18

	PLYMOUTH, N.H.  --  Sophomore guard Niki Allen (Blue Hill, Maine) scored 
seven of her nine points in the final four minutes to help the nationally-ranked 
University of Southern Maine Huskies hold off the Plymouth State College 
Panthers, 79-75, in a Little East Conference game Tuesday night, extending the 
Huskiesí winning streak to 18 games.
	Southern Maine, ranked fifth in the nation in the latest D3hoops.com poll 
released Tuesday afternoon, remained unbeaten in conference play (11-0) and 
improved its overall record to 21-1.  The win also clinched a first round bye 
for the Huskies in the upcoming Little East tournament.  Plymouth State, 13-7 
overall and 6-5 in the conference, dropped its fourth game in its last six 
outings.
	Southern Maine led by one (67-66) after a three-point shot by PSC junior 
guard Jenn Pelletier (Derry, N.H.) with 3:48 to play.  Allen responded with a 
trifecta of her own to push the lead back to four.  Pelletier came right back to 
make a pair of free throws before USM sophomore Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) 
converted a layup to make it 72-68.
	Plymouth State junior Courtney Albert (Hudson, N.H.) scored inside to cut 
the margin to two (72-70) with 1:47 to play, but Allen ignited a 6-0 USM run 
with a layup and two free throws over the next minute to give the Huskies an 
eight-point lead (78-70) with 35 seconds to play.
	In a game that featured 14 ties and 16 lead changes, neither team led by 
more than eight points.  There were eight ties and 12 lead changes in the first 
half alone.  Plymouth State used a 6-2 run over the final two minutes, keyed by 
four free throws by Pelletier, to take a 38-35 lead to the locker room.
	After six ties and four lead changes in the second half, Southern Maine 
finally gained the advantage (60-58) for good on a short jumper by sophomore 
Jess Noonan (Rollinsford, N.H.) with 6:55 to play.
	Cressler led the Huskies with 18 points, including four three-point shots, 
to pace four player in double figures.  Juniors Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) 
and Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) each had 13 points, and senior Niki Dominiczak 
(Dixfield, Maine) chipped in with 11 points and a team-high six assists.  Junior 
Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) added eight points and grabbed a game-high 10 
rebounds.
	Plymouth State junior Whitney Morin (Derby Line, Vt.) led all scorers with 
25 points, including four three-point field goals.  Pelletier added 17 points, 
including a perfect 10-of-10 from the foul line, and dished out a game-high 
eight assists.
	Southern Maine shot 51.7 percent (30 for 58) from the floor for the game 
while holding Plymouth State to 39.3 percent shooting (24 for 61).
	The Huskies return to action Saturday afternoon when they travel to Rhode 
Island College for a 1:00 p.m. contest.  Plymouth State hosts the University of 
Massachusetts Boston on Saturday, also at 1:00 p.m.

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Saturday, February 2, 2002

Fifth Ranked Southern Maine Wins 17th Straight
Huskies Extend NCAA Division III Streak of 20-Win Seasons to 22 Years

	GORHAM, Maine: Sophomore guard Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) scored a 
game-high 16 points to pace a balanced offensive attack that saw three players 
strike for double figures, as the University of Southern Maine Huskies rolled to 
a 62-31 Little East Conference win over the visiting University of Massachusetts 
Dartmouth Corsairs Saturday afternoon at the Hill Gymnasium.
	Currently ranked fifth in the latest D3Hoops.com national poll, Southern 
Maine has now won 17 consecutive games, to improve its overall record to 20-1 
and its league slate to a perfect 10-0. The Huskies extended their own NCAA 
Division III streak of 20-win seasons to 22.
	UMass Dartmouth, which fell to 4-16 and 1-9, enjoyed the lead in the 
opening minutes of the game. The Corsairs jumped to a 4-0 advantage on a pair of 
baskets by sophomore forward Amy Satkevich (Quincy, Mass.), and held their last 
lead of the game at 5-3 with 17:12 remaining in the half.
	Senior forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) tied the game at 5-5 on a pair 
of free throws with 16:58 remaining, and ignited a 19-3 run, which gave the 
Huskies a 22-8 advantage with 10:21 to play. The Huskies went up by as much as 
37-13, before taking a 37-17 lead into the half.
	The Corsairs opened the second half with a 4-0 run, trimming the deficit 
to 37-21 with 18:31 remaining. However, the Huskies ripped off an 11-0 run to 
put the game out of reach at 48-21 with 11:04 to play.
	Southern Maine, which enjoyed a 52-38 advantage on the boards, took its 
largest lead of the game with 13 seconds to play, when junior forward Jess Libby 
(Orono, Maine) hit a short jumper to account fort the 62-31 final.
	Junior forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) added 15 points and 10 
rebounds, while senior forward Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) contributed 10 
points, and Zahm hauled in a game-high 16 rebounds for the Huskies. Junior 
forward Carla Ferreira (Marion, Mass.) led the Corsairs with 11 points and 11 
rebounds. 
	The teams return to action on Tuesday, when Southern Maine travels to 
Plymouth State, while UMass-Dartmouth hosts UMass-Boston

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Wednesday, January 30, 2002

Huskies Hold Off Monks, 62-58, For 16th Straight Win

	STANDISH, Maine  --  The fifth-ranked University of Southern Maine Huskies 
womenís basketball team converted on 7 of 9 free throws in the 1:07 to hold off 
a determined St. Josephís College Monks squad for their 16th straight victory, 
62-58, in a non-conference game at the Harold Alfond Recreation Complex 
Wednesday night.
	The win improved the Huskies overall record to 19-1 heading into their 
regular season home finale on Saturday against Little East Conference rival, the 
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.  St. Josephís, which had its 11-game 
winning streak stopped, lost for just the second time against 18 wins.  USM has 
beaten St. Joeís the last seven times the teams have met, and holds a 32-5 lead 
in the all-time series that dates back to 1971.
	Nursing a two-point lead (51-49) with under three minutes to play, the 
Huskies got baskets by junior Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) and sophomore Meg 
Cressler (Appleton, Maine) to expand the margin to six with 1:39 to play.
	Over the final 67 seconds, senior Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) 
converted 4 of 5 free throws, Crockett dropped in a pair of charity tosses, and 
Cressler added 1 of 2 freebies to offset three-point shots by the Monksí senior 
Sue Picard (Saco, Maine), freshman Lynn Marcotte (Hudson, N.H.) and senior 
Stacey Gelinas (Biddeford, Maine) for the final margin.
	Trailing by 12 (39-27) with 15 minutes remaining, the Monks used a 17-5 
run over the next eight minutes to tie the game at 44-44 when freshman Laura 
Pelkey (Palmyra, Maine) hit a three-pointer.
	USM responded with four straight points by junior Jess Libby (Orono, 
Maine) to retake the lead for good.
	In the first half, Southern Maine used a 18-2 run over a span of eight 
minutes to erase a three-point deficit (9-6) and take a 24-11 lead when 
Dominiczak grabbed an offensive rebound and laid the ball in.  The Huskies took 
a 27-17 margin to the locker room at the break.
	Cressler led the Huskies with 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds.  
Dominiczak picked up her third straight double-double, finishing with 12 points 
and a game-high 10 rebounds.  Crockett added 10 points and blocked five shots.  
Libby had eight points and a team-high four assists.
	St. Josephís sophomore center Abbie Rice (South Portland, Maine) led all 
scorers with 15 points.  Picard had 12 points and a team-high six rebounds, 
Gelinas chipped in 11 and Marcotte came off the bench to add 10.
	Southern Maine had a 46-33 edge in rebounds and converted 18 of 27 free 
throws compared with St. Josephís connecting on 9 of 14 free throws.

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Saturday, January 26, 2002

Sixth-Ranked Southern Maine Wins 15th Straight, Downs Keene State, 57-53

	GORHAM, Maine:  Senior guard Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) and junior 
forward Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) scored a team co-high 13 points each, and the 
University of Southern Maine Huskies overcame a second half rally by the Keene 
State Owls to post a 57-53 Little East Conference win Saturday afternoon at the 
Hill Gymnasium.
	Currently ranked sixth in the latest D3Hoops.com national poll, the 
Huskies have now won 15 consecutive games to improve their overall record to 
18-1 and a perfect 9-0 in the league. Keene State fell to 10-7 and 5-4.
	The Huskies, who led throughout, enjoyed their largest lead of the game at 
41-26, when senior center Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) sank a pair of free 
throws with 13:49 to play in the game. However, Keene State answered with a 19-8 
run, culminating on a three pointer from freshman guard Cathy Mechare (Falls 
Village, Conn.) to pull within 49-45 with 4:04 to play. The Owls had a chance to 
trim the deficit further, but senior forward Nicole Fargione (Colonie, N.Y.) 
missed the front end of a one-and-one foul shot with 3:45 to play. 
	Southern Maine rallied to score five consecutive points, building a 54-45 
advantage with 1:34 to play, before Merchare pulled the Owls to within 54-47 
with 1:05 remaining.
	The Huskies had an opportunity to put the game out of reach from the line 
in the final minute, but they missed four of seven free throws. Libby sank the 
second of two shots with eight seconds to play to give the Huskies a 57-51 
advantage. Mechare answered for the Owls with two seconds remaining, to account 
for the 57-53 final.
	Zahm contributed 10 points and eight rebounds, while Dominiczak also had 
eight caroms for the Huskies. The Owls were paced by senior guard Sarah Linn 
(Brattelboro, Vt.), who scored a game-high 16 points, while Mechare added 14 and 
senior forward Erika Forsberg (Laconia, N.H.) added 10 points and seven 
rebounds.
	Southern Maine returns to action on Wednesday, when it travels to St. 
Joseph's College, while Keene State will entertain New England College on 
Tuesday.

********************************************************************************

Tuesday, January 22, 2002

6th-Ranked Southern Maine wins 14th Straight, 77-58 Over UMass Boston

	GORHAM, Maine: Senior forward Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) scored a 
game-high 18 points and sophomore guard Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) added 17 
as the University of Southern Maine Huskies jumped to an early lead and were 
never seriously threatened en route to a 76-58 Little East Conference win over 
the visiting University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons Tuesday night at the 
Hill Gymnasium.
	Currently ranked number six in the nation according to this week's 
D3hoops.com poll, Southern Maine has now won 14 straight games to improve its 
overall record to 17-1, and it remains perfect in Little East play at 8-0.  
UMasss Boston dipped to 10-7 overall and 3-5 in the conference.
	Southern Maine jumped to an 11-1 lead on a short jumper from Dominiczak 
with 13:32 to play in the first half. The Beacons pulled to within seven points 
at 11-4, but would cut the deficit no further the remainder of the night.
	The Huskies answered with a 12-3 run, culminating with a basket from 
sophomore guard Nikki Allen (Blue Hill, Maine) to grab a 23-7 lead with 6:51 to 
play in the half. Southern Maine, which held its largest first half lead at 
35-13 with 3:35 to play, took a 38-17 advantage into the break.
	Southern Maine opened the second half with a 10-3 run to build a 48-20 
lead with 15:57 to play. UMass Boston trimmed the deficit to 54-37 with 7:14 to 
play, when junior center Jamila Gales (Boston, Mass.) made a layup and converted 
the ensuing free throw. However, Southern Maine answered with a 16-4 run to take 
its largest lead of the game at 70-41 with 3:49 to play.
	Senior guard Keyanna Smith (Jamaica Plain, Mass.) scored four of her five 
three pointers in the final 3:15 to cut the deficit to the 76-58 final score.
	In all, four Huskies struck for double figures, as Allen added 12 points 
and sophomore guard Jillian Morris (Milton, N.H.) added 10 points, while 
Dominiczak led the club with 13 rebounds and junior guard Jess Libby (Orono, 
Maine) added 10 boards. The Beacons were paced by junior center  Gales, who 
scored 15 points and added 13 rebounds, while Smith added 15 points, and junior 
center Andreen Gilpin (Boston, Mass.) contributed 10 points and 16 rebounds.
	Southern Maine returns to action on Saturday, when it plays host to Keene 
State College, while UMass Boston travels to Springfield College on Thursday.

********************************************************************************

Monday, January 21, 2002

USM's Jaime Zahm Named LEC Player of the Week

	GORHAM, Maine:  Senior forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) was named 
Little East Conference Co-Player of the Week, after helping the University of 
Southern Maine women's basketball program post a pair of key league wins last 
week.
	The Huskies registered an 81-77 home win in overtime against Plymouth 
State College, before posting a 57-40 win at Western Connecticut State 
University. The triumphs extended the club's current winning streak to 13 games, 
and improved its overall record to 16-1. In Little East Conference play, the 
Huskies currently sport a league-leading 7-0 record. Southern Maine is ranked 
11th in the most recent Division III National poll.
	Zahm averaged 20.5 points and 13.0 rebounds, while connecting on 55.6% 
(15-of-27) of her field goal attempts. She scored 20 points, hauled in 16 
rebounds, and rejected three shots against Plymouth State, and contributed 21 
points and 10 rebounds in the win at Western Connecticut. On the year, Zahm is 
currently averaging 10.6 points per game, which ranks third on the team, while 
she leads the team with 8.0 rebounds per game. She has connected on an 
impressive 60.9% (70-of-115) of her field goal attempts and blocked 29 shots.
	Zahm, who shared this week's award with University of Massachusetts Boston 
junior forward Andreen Gilpin, has now been honored by the league office on two 
occasions this year. She was named the LEC Player of the Week on January 7.
	Southern Maine will return to action on Tuesday night, when it commences a 
two-game home-stand against UMass Boston at 5:30 p.m. The Huskies will 
additionally host Keene State College on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

********************************************************************************

Saturday, January 19, 2002

Zahm, Cressler Lead Huskies Past Colonials 57-40

	DANBURY, Conn.  --  Senior Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) and sophomore Meg 
Cressler (Appleton, Maine) combined for 38 points as the University of Southern 
Maine Huskies remained unbeaten in Little East Conference play after posting a 
57-40 victory over the Western Connecticut State University at Feldman Arena 
Saturday afternoon.
	The win was the 13th straight for the nationally-ranked Huskies, and 
improved their overall record to 16-1.  USM is 7-0 in Little East play to lead 
the conference.  Western Connecticut had its three-game win streak snapped to 
fall to 7-9 overall and 2-5 in the conference.
	Zahm converted on 9 of 15 shots from the floor, including 5 of 7 in the 
second half, and made 3 of 6 free throws for her game-high 21 points.  The 6-
foot forward also grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.  Cressler made 9 of 11 free 
throws along the way to finish with 17 points.
	The Colonials scored the first basket of the game for their only lead 
before the Huskies went on a 12-2 run, paced by Cressler's six points, to take 
command five minutes into the game.
	USM's lead grew to as many as 14 (28-14) on a Zahm basket with 3:28 to 
play in the half.  Western Connecticut scored the final four points to close 
within 10 (28-18) at the break.
	Sophomore Lindsay Johnson (Deer Park, Texas) led the Colonials only 
serious second half threat to the Husky advantage, scoring eight points during a 
10-4 run that left the home team down by four (38-34) with 12:52 to play.
	After the team's traded baskets to make it 38-34, Zahm responded with five 
straight points before Cressler added two free throws for a 7-0 USM run that 
restored a double-digit lead.  The Colonials would not get closer than nine the 
rest of the way.  The Huskies held the Colonials to just two field goals and a 
pair of free throws over the final 12 minutes of play.
	Sophomore Christin Morgatto (Seymour, Conn.) was the only Colonial to 
reach double figures with 12 points.  Johnson, the Colonials leading scorer 
averaging 14.9 points a game, was held in check outside of her second half burst 
and finished with eight points.
	The Southern Maine defense limited the Colonials to 29 percent (16 for 55) 
shooting from the field and forced 22 turnovers.
USM scored its final 10 points at the foul line, and made 21 of 32 charity 
tosses during the game.
	The Huskies return home Tuesday night to host the University of 
Massachusetts Boston in an LEC matchup at the Hill Gymnasium.  Game time is 5:30 
p.m.  Western Connecticut will host instate rival Eastern Connecticut, also on 
Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

********************************************************************************

Tuesday, January 15, 2002

Huskies Edge Panthers in OT, 81-77

	GORHAM, Maine  --  Sophomore Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) and senior 
Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) combined for 43 points as the University of 
Southern Maine Huskies came from behind to defeat the Plymouth State College 
Panthers in overtime, 81-77, in a Little East Conference game Tuesday night at 
the Warren G. Hill Gymnasium.
	The win was the 12th straight for the Huskies who remained unbeaten in the 
conference (6-0) and improved to 15-1 overall.  Plymouth State dipped to 11-4 
overall and 4-2 in the conference.  The two teams will meet again at Plymouth on 
February 5.
	Southern Maine sophomore guard Jess Noonan (Rollinsford, N.H.) forced the 
game into overtime when her layup dropped through the net as the buzzer sounded 
ending regulation.
	In overtime, the Huskies trailed by three, 77-74, with 1:50 to play.  
Cressler hit a pair of free throws to cut the margin to one, then sophomore 
Nikki Allen (Blue Hill, Maine) hit a 15-foot jumper to give the Huskies the lead 
for good with 59 seconds to play.  Senior Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) made 
two free throws with 22 seconds, and Cressler added another in the final seconds 
for the final margin.
	Plymouth State junior Courtney Albert (Hudson, N.H.), who led all scorers 
with 26 points and grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds before fouling out with 22 
second left in overtime, scored four points in overtime to tie the game at 
73-73.  Junior Jenn Pelletier (Derry, N.H.) gave the Panthers the lead with two 
charity tosses, and a basket by junior Heather Adey (Nashua, N.H.) made it 
77-74.
	Southern Maine took a 23-16 lead in the first half as Zahm and Cressler 
combined for 14 points.  The Panthers used an 11-4 run, sparked by Adey and 
freshman Heidi McAllister (Newport, N.H.), over the final seven minutes to forge 
a 27-27 tie at the break.
	After Cressler opened the second half with a basket, Plymouth State went 
on an 8-0 run to take the lead, and would lead by as many as eight (44-36).  An 
8-2 run by the Huskies regained the lead for the hosts (52-51) with 8:38 to 
play.  There were five lead changes and two ties over the final eight minutes.
	Cressler led the Huskies with 23 points, including four three-point 
baskets, and grabbed nine rebounds.  Zahm finished with 20 points and grabbed a 
game-high 16 rebounds.  Dominiczak was the only other Husky in double figures 
with 12 points.
	Adey finished the night with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and junior Whitney 
Morin (Derby Line, Vt.) came off the bench to toss in 11 for the Panthers.
	Southern Maine hits the road this weekend, traveling to Western 
Connecticut State University on Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. game.  Plymouth State 
will journey to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, also on Saturday.

********************************************************************************

Saturday, January 12, 2002

USM Downs Eastern Connecticut, 61-59, For 11th Straight Win

	GORHAM, Maine: Junior forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) scored a 
team-high 14 points, including a pair of free throws with 34 seconds to play to 
account for the winning margin, as the University of Southern Maine knocked off 
previously unbeaten Eastern Connecticut State University, 61-59 in a battle of 
nationally ranked teams Saturday afternoon at the Warren G. Hill Gymnasium.
	Eastern Connecticut had a final shot at victory, but sophomore forward 
Allison Coleman's (Jewett City, Conn.) three-point attempt at the buzzer hit the 
iron and bounced out.
	The triumph extends the Huskies' winning streak to 11 in a row, and they 
improve to 14-1 overall and 5-0 in the Little East Conference. Conversely, the 
loss snaps the Warriors' winning streak at 11 games as they fell to 11-1 overall 
and 4-1 in the LEC.  Southern Maine came into the game ranked 18th and Eastern 
Connecticut was fifth in the d3hoops.com poll.
	Eastern Connecticut, which led throughout much of the game, enjoyed its 
final advantage at 57-55, when senior forward Kristyn Grassi (Tolland, Conn.) 
scored on a rebound with 2:09 to play.
	Southern Maine answered with six consecutive points, beginning with a pair 
of put backs from Crockett and senior forward Jamie Zahm (Montpellier, Vt.), and 
concluding with Crockett's free throws to forge a 61-57 lead.
	Coleman drained a short jumper to pull Eastern Connecticut within 61-59 
with 23 seconds to play. Eastern Connecticut regained possession of the ball 
with 18 seconds to play when sophomore guard Jess Noonan (Rollinsford, N.H.) 
missed the front end of a one-and-one situation for Southern Maine.
	Grassi led all players with 16 points, while Coleman contributed 15 points 
and a game-high 10 rebounds. Senior guard Darcy Mund (Marlborough, Conn.) 
collected six rebounds and dished out a pair of assists to tie the Eastern 
Connecticut career mark with 463 assists.
	For Southern Maine, Crockett led all players with 12 rebounds, while 
senior forward Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) contributed 10 points and six 
rebounds, sophomore guard Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) added nine points, and 
Zahm chipped in with eight points and five rebounds.
	The teams return to action on Tuesday, when Southern Maine concludes its 
three-game, home stand by hosting Plymouth State.  Eastern Connecticut continues 
its four-game, road trip with a date at Keene State.

********************************************************************************

Tuesday, January 8, 2002

USM Downs Rhode Island College, 60-44 for 10th Straight Win

	GORHAM, Maine: The University of Southern Maine held visiting Rhode Island 
College to just four field goals and 14 points in the first half, as it rolled 
to its 10th straight win with a 60-44 decision Tuesday night at Hill Gymnasium.
	With the win, Southern Maine improved to 13-1 overall and 4-0 in the 
Little East Conference, while Rhode Island fell to 2-12 and 0-4.
	The Huskies, who never trailed, held Rhode Island to a pair of free throws 
through the opening 10 minutes of play, and took an 11-2 lead at 10:48 on a 
three-pointer by sophomore guard Megan Cressler (Appleton, Maine).  Rhode 
Island's first field goal came with 9:48 to play in the half, and trimmed the 
deficit to 11-4. 
	However, Southern Maine answered with a 9-1 run, to take a 20-5 lead on a 
pair of free throws from senior forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) with 5:12 
to play in the half. The Huskies led by as much as 32-9 with 1:28 to play in the 
half, before Rhode Island scored five consecutive points to pull within 32-14 at 
the break.
	The Anchorwomen opened the second half with a 15-7 run, and trimmed the 
deficit to 39-29 on a basket by sophomore guard Monyca Vickers (Mattapoisett, 
Mass.) with 12:16 remaining.  The Huskies scored the next five points, 
culminating with another three-pointer from Cressler, to build a 44-29 lead and 
were never seriously challenged over the final 9:35.
	Zahm led the Huskies with 17 points, while Cressler added 14 points, and 
senior guard Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) hauled in a game-high 12 rebounds 
and dished out six assists.  The Huskies held a decided edged on the boards 
(47-31) and held Rhode Island to just 14 field goals on 54 attempts (25.9%).
	Rhode Island was led by sophomore forward Elizabeth Shields (Warwick, 
R.I.), who scored 12 points and collected nine boards, and sophomore guard 
Angela Sarette (Putnam, Conn.) who added 10 points.
	The teams return to action on Saturday, when Southern Maine hosts Eastern 
Connecticut in a battle of the conference leaders, while Rhode Island College 
will entertain Plymouth State.

********************************************************************************

Monday, January 7, 2002

Zahm, Noonan Receive Little East Conference Weekly Honors

	GORHAM, Maine  --  University of Southern Maine senior forward Jaime Zahm 
(Montpelier, Vt.) was selected as the Player of the Week, and sophomore guard 
Jess Noonan (Rollinsford, N.H.) was tabbed as the Rookie of the Week, by the 
Little East Conference for the period ending January 6.  The announcement was 
made Monday (January 7) afternoon by the conference office.
	It also was announced Monday that Zahm had been named Co-Player of the 
Week by the Maine Women's Basketball Coaches Association (MWBCA) for the same 
period.  Zahm shared the award with senior guard Sue Picard of St. Joseph's 
College.
	The 6-foot Zahm averaged 13.5 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 61.5 
percent (22 of 36) from the floor during the last four games.  She had 22 
points, 12 rebounds and blocked six shots in the Huskies' 66-56 win at Clark 
University (Jan. 3), then came back two days later to post another double-double 
with 10 points and 13 rebounds in an 85-35 win at UMass Dartmouth.  She also was 
named to the all-tournament team at the USM Holiday Tournament (Dec. 29-30).
	On the season, Zahm is averaging 8.8 points and 7.8 rebounds while 
shooting 61.6 percent (45 for 73) from the floor in 13 games.  She also has 
blocked 24 shots.
	Noonan, who transferred to USM from the University of New Hampshire, 
captured LEC rookie honors on the strength of her standout play off the bench 
against Clark and UMass Dartmouth.  In those two games, she averaged 10.5 points 
and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 90.9 percent (10 of 11) from the floor.  She was 
a perfect 6 for 6 from the floor en route to a season-high 12 points at UMD.
	In 13 games this season, Noonan is averaging 3.6 points and 1.5 rebounds a 
game.  She improved her field goal percentage to 48.7 percent (19 for 39) with 
her play against Clark and UMD.
	Southern Maine, 12-1 overall and 3-0 in the Little East, has won its last 
nine games heading into a Tuesday night home game with LEC foe Rhode Island 
College.  Game time is 5:30 p.m.

********************************************************************************

Saturday, January 5, 2002

Southern Maine Routs UMass Dartmouth, 85-35

	NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass.  --  Sophomore guard Nikki Allen (Blue Hill, Maine) 
scored a career-high 21 points to lead five players in double figures, as the 
University of Southern Maine routed host UMass-Dartmouth, 85-35, Saturday 
afternoon.
	Southern Maine broke the game open with a 31-4 run sandwiched around the 
halftime break. Holding a 19-15 lead with five minutes to play in the first 
half, the Huskies outscored the Corsairs by a 15-2 margin to take a 34-17 
advantage into the intermission. Southern Maine opened the second half with a 
16-2 run, to build an insurmountable 50-19 lead with 10:32 to play in the 
contest.
	Southern Maine received 12 points each from sophomore guard Jess Noonan 
(Rollinsford, N.H.) and junior guard Jessica Libby (Orono, Maine), while 
sophomore guard Jillian Morris (Milton, N.H.) added 10 points and senior forward 
Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) contributed 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. 
In all, the Huskies received at least two points from nine of the 10 players who 
entered the game.
	The Huskies dominated all facets of the game, as they owned a commanding 
46-32 advantage on the boards, held the Corsairs to a .294 shooting percentage 
(15-51), and forced 21 turnovers. By comparison, the Huskies finished with a 
.413 shooting percentage (31-75), and committed just nine turnovers.
	The triumph extends Southern Maine's current winning streak to nine 
straight, and improves its overall record to 12-1 and 3-0 in the Little East 
Conference. The Huskies return to action on Tuesday, when they entertain Rhode 
Island College.
	UMass Dartmouth received nine points from senior guard Jess Cummings 
(Middleboro, Mass.), while senior forward Carla Ferreira (Marion, Mass.) and 
junior forward Larissa Morse (Sterling, Mass.) collected six rebounds apiece. 
The Corsairs fell to 2-8 overall and 1-2 in the league, and will travel to 
Eastern Connecticut State University on Tuesday. 

********************************************************************************

Thursday, January 3, 2002

Zahm Leads Huskies Past Cougars 66-56

	WORCESTER, Mass.  --  Senior forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) scored 
22 points, pulled down 12 rebounds and blocked six shots to lead the University 
of Southern Maine Huskies to their eighth straight victory with a 66-56 win over 
the Clark University Cougars Thursday night at the Kneller Athletic Center.
	The win improves the Huskies overall mark to 11-1 on the season.  The loss 
dropped the Cougars to 6-3 on the season.
	Zahm connected on nine of 14 shots for the floor as the Huskies shot 46 
percent for the game (25 for 54), including a blistering 61 percent (14 for 23) 
in the second half.
	The Huskies trailed 4-0 in the early going, then took the lead for good on 
a basket by senior forward Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) three minutes into 
the game.  USM led 28-23 at the break.
	Despite their hot second half shooting, the Huskies were unable to put the 
Cougars away until the final minute.  The Huskies used six free throws, 
including four by junior forward-guard Jess Libby (Orono, Maine), in the final 
64 seconds to clinch the victory.
	Southern Maine got a big lift off the bench from sophomores Nikki Allen 
(Blue Hill, Maine) and Jess Noonan (Rollinsford, N.H.) as the two combined for 
20 points.  Allen reached double figures for the first time in her career, 
hitting 4 of 7 shots from the floor, including three from beyond the three-point 
arc, to finish with 11 points.  Noonan made 4 of 5 shots and a free throw for a 
season-high nine points.
	Clark junior Rachael Turkington (Holland, Mass.) shared game-high scoring 
honors with Zahm tossing in 22 points, including four three-point shots.  
Freshman Briana Freeman (Maynard, Mass.) was the only other Clark player to 
reach double figures, finishing with 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
	The Huskies return to conference play this weekend when they travel to the 
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth on Saturday for a 1 p.m. game.  Clark will 
tangle with Misercordia College in the first round of the Williams College 
Tournament, also on Saturday.

********************************************************************************

Sunday, December 30, 2001

University of Southern Maine Routs Husson, 65-30, in Holiday Tournament Final
Westfield State Holds off Elmira, 43-40, in Consolation Game

	GORHAM, Maine: All-tournament team selections junior forward Kara Crockett 
(Glenburn, Maine), who scored a game-high 13 points, and senior forward Niki 
Dominiczak, (Dixfield, Maine), who hauled in a game and career-high 19 rebounds, 
led the University of Southern Maine Huskies to a convincing 65-30 triumph over 
Husson College Braves in the championship game of the USM Holiday Tournament on 
Sunday afternoon at Hill Gymnasium.
	Southern Maine scored the game's first four points, and built a 23-4 lead 
with 6:42 to play in the first half, before taking a 27-12 advantage into the 
break. 
	Crockett scored all 13 of her points during a stretch of 7:17 to open the 
second half, as the Huskies extended their lead to 44-18 with 12:43 to play. A 
short jumper by sophomore guard Nikki Allen (Blue Hill, Maine) gave Southern 
Maine its largest lead at 65-28 with 1:16 to play in the game.
	The Huskies dominated the boards, where they enjoyed a 49-32 rebounding 
advantage, and connected on 41.0 percent (25-61) of their field goal attempts, 
including 50 percent (15-30) in the second half. The Braves made just 19.6 
percent (10-51) of their field goal attempts for the game.
	Southern Maine, which improved to 10-1, also received 11 points from 
junior forward and tournament MVP Jess Libby (Orono, Maine), and nine points and 
six rebounds from senior forward Jamie Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.), who earned all-
tournament recognition.
	Husson, which fell to 3-7, was paced by all-tournament team member and 
senior guard Leslie Trott (Brewer, Maine), who scored eight points and collected 
6 rebounds. 
	In the consolation game, Westfield State College built an 11-point, 
second-half lead but had to withstand a late Elmira run to post a 43-40 triumph. 
Westfield State scored the first 11 points of the second half to break a 19-19 
tie to forge a 30-19 lead with 14:25 to play. 
	The lead remained at 11 points (35-24) with 8:48 to play, when Elmira put 
together a 13-4 run to pull within 39-37 with 2:13 to play. Westfield State 
connected on four consecutive free throws to build a 43-37 lead with 11 seconds 
to play. Freshman guard Erin Eaton (Sebring, Ohio) hit a three pointer with 
three seconds to play to account for the 43-40 final score.
	Junior center Melissa Cote (Feeding Hills, Mass.), who rounded out the 
all-tournament team, led all players with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while 
senior center A.J. LaBelle (Ashfield, Mass.) contributed 10 points and nine 
rebounds for Westfield State, which improved to 3-7. 
	Junior forward Emily Mastaler (Springfield, Vt.) tallied eight points to 
lead a balanced Elmira attack, which saw 12 Soaring Eagles register at least one 
point.  Senior Center Tricia Wing (Dannemora, N.Y.) and junior forward Sarah 
Nicholson (Seneca Falls, N.Y.) had nine rebounds each for Elmira, which fell to 
3-6.

********************************************************************************

Saturday, December 29, 2001

USM Holiday Tournament
Southern Maine, Husson Advance to Championship Game

	GORHAM, Maine  --  Junior Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) scored a game-high 15 
points to pace five players in double figures as the University of Southern 
Maine Huskies defeated the Westfield State College Owls 69-52 in the first round 
of the USM Holiday Tournament at the Warren G. Hill Gymnasium Saturday 
afternoon.
	In the other  first round game, sophomore Liz Boone (Brewer, Maine) 
converted a pair of free throws with 1:56 to play, and junior Megan Hughes 
(Dexter, Maine) added two more charity tosses in the final minute to give the 
Husson College Braves a 61-58 win over the Elmira College Soaring Eagles.
	Southern Maine will play Husson in the championship game Sunday afternoon 
at 3:00 p.m.  Elmira and Westfield State will battle in the consolation game at 
1:00 p.m.
	Libby, who hit 4 of 7 shots from beyond the three-point arc, sparked the 
decisive 16-8 run midway through the second half with three three-point field 
goals as the Huskies expanded a six-point lead (40-34) into a 14-point advantage 
(56-42) with less than six minutes to play.  Senior Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, 
Maine) also had a pair of baskets for the Huskies.
	Sophomore Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) and senior Jaime Zahm 
(Montpelier, Vt.) each had 13 points for USM.  Junior Kara Crockett (Glenburn, 
Maine) had 11 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots.  Dominiczak finished 
with 10 points.
	Junior Melissa Cote (Feeding Hills, Mass.) led the Owls with 14 points.  
Junior Brenda Knott (Dudley, Mass.) had 12 points and three assists.  The Owls 
shot just 34 percent (18 for 53) from the floor.
	In the opening game, Husson nearly let game slip away as Elmira overcame a 
seven-point deficit (57-50) to take a 58-57 lead with 2:51 to play before Boone 
came to the rescue.
	The Soaring Eagles tied the game on a three-point shot by rookie guard 
Erin Eaton (Sebring, Ohio), and then took the lead when senior Tricia Wing 
(Dannamora, N.Y.) converted one of two free throws to cap off an 8-0 run.  
Unfortunately for the visitors from upstate New York, they would go scoreless 
the rest of the way.
	Boone made two freebies with 1:56 left to put Husson back in front for 
good, and Hughes made one of two with 1:23 to play to make it 60-58.  Elmira had 
a shot to win the game in the final seconds, but Eaton's three-point shot from 
the corner bounced out.
	Husson senior Leslie Trott (Brewer, Maine) led all scorers with 20 points, 
connecting on 8 of 14 shots from the floor.  Hughes had a double-double with 14 
points and 12 rebounds.  Boone also had 14 points and blocked six shots.
	Senior Missy Richvalsky (Mohawk, N.Y.) led Elmira with 18 points.  Wing 
had 14 points, 12 rebounds and six steals while Eaton finished with 10 points.

********************************************************************************

Monday, December 17, 2001

Amanda Leavitt Named Little East Conference Rookie of the Week
Shares MWBCA Weekly Rookie Award with UMF's Pepin

	GORHAM, Maine  --  Freshman guard Amanda Leavitt (Pittsfield, Maine) of 
the University of Southern Maine Huskies women's basketball team has been named 
the Little East Conference Rookie of the Week for the week of December 10-16.  
The conference office made the announcement Monday afternoon.
	In addition, the Maine Women's Basketball Coaches Association named 
Leavitt and Amanda Pepin of the University of Maine at Farmington as its Co-
Rookies of the Week for the same period.  The LEC and MWBCA awards were the 
first of Leavitt's brief career.
	The 5-foot-5 point guard scored a team-high 17 points to pace four players 
in double figures during the Huskies' 71-60 victory on the road over Salem State 
College.  It was the Huskies second win over Salem State on the road this 
season.  Both teams were in the NCAA tournament last season.
	Against Salem State, Leavitt connected on 5 of 8 shots from the floor, 
including 3 of 4 from beyond the three-point stripe, and was perfect on all four 
of her free throws.  She also dished out one assist and had two steals.
	Through the first nine games of her rookie season, Leavitt is averaging 
10.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists a game.  She is third on the team in 
scoring, second in assists and leads in steals (18).  Southern Maine is 8-1 
overall and 2-0 in the Little East Conference.
	The Huskies, off since the Salem State game for semester final exams and 
the Christmas holiday, return to action December 29-30 when they host the USM 
Holiday Tournament.  On Saturday, USM plays Westfield State College in a first 
round game at 3:00 p.m.  Husson College takes on Elmira College in the other 
first round game at 1:00 p.m.  The consolation and championship games take place 
on Sunday at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.

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Tuesday, December 11, 2001

Balanced Attack Leads Huskies Past Vikings 71-60

	SALEM, Mass.  --  Freshman guard Amanda Leavitt (Pittsfield, Maine) scored 
17 points to lead four players in double figures as the University of Southern 
Maine Huskies defeated the Salem State College Vikings 71-60 in a non-conference 
game played Tuesday night at the O'Keefe Center.
	The win was the fifth straight for the Huskies who improved to 8-1 
overall.  It was the second time this season that USM has been Salem State in 
Salem.  The Huskies beat the Vikings 58-46 in the championship game of the 
season-opening Salem State Tip-Off Tournament last month.  The Vikings had their 
four-game winning streak stopped, and dipped to 5-3 overall.
	Trailing 27-19 with 6:02 to play in the first half, the Huskies went on a 
13-1 run over the final six minutes to seize a 32-28 lead at the break.  Five 
different players contributed points, including sophomore guard Meg Cressler 
(Appleton, Maine) who hit a three-point shot just before the half to cap the 
run.
	Southern Maine's lead slowly grew in the second half to as many as 17 (62-
45) before Salem State started to cut away at the deficit, but never seriously 
threatened the Huskies control.
	Leavitt, coming off a 20-point effort last Saturday at Keene State, hit on 
5 of 8 shots from the floor, including 3 of 4 from beyond the three-point 
stripe, and made all four of her free throws for her 17 points.  Overall, the 
Huskies shot 52 percent (24 of 46) from the floor.
	Junior forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) scored 15 points and 
grabbed a game-high nine rebounds before fouling out.  Cressler and senior 
forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.) each finished with 13 points.  Cressler 
also dished out a career-high eight assists.
	Salem State senior guard Casie Rhodes (East Greenwich, R.I.) was the lone 
Viking in double figures, leading all scorers with 22 points.  She converted 9 
of 14 shots from the floor.  Salem State was hurt by 23 turnovers and poor free 
throw shooting (10 of 22).
	Both teams are off until after Christmas.  Southern Maine returns to 
action December 29 when it plays Westfield State College in the first round of 
the USM Holiday Tournament.  Game time is 3:00 p.m.  Husson College meets Elmira 
College in the other first round game at 1:00 p.m.
	Salem State heads to Daytona, Fla., to play St. Lawrence University and 
the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the Land of Magic Classic on December 
28-29.

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Saturday, December 8, 2001

Cressler, Leavitt Lead Huskies Past Owls 75-59

	KEENE, N.H.  --  Sophomore Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) and freshman 
Amanda Leavitt (Pittsfield, Maine) each scored 20 points to lead the University 
of Southern Maine Huskies to a 75-59 victory over the Keene State College Owls 
in a Little East Conference game played Saturday afternoon at Spaulding 
Gymnasium.
	The win was the fourth straight for the Huskies who improved to 7-1 
overall and 2-0 in conference play.  Keene State dropped its second straight, 
and third in the last four games, to fall to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the 
conference.  The two teams will meet again January 26 at Gorham.
	Leading by four (61-57) with 7:07 to play, the Huskies' defense held the 
Owls without a point over the next six-and-a-half minutes as part of 10-0 run 
that clinched the win.  Junior Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.), who finished with 
10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds for her first double-double of the season, 
ignited the run with a basket, followed by a Leavitt basket on the Huskies next 
possession.
	Leavitt iced the verdict in the final minute, converting 8 of 8 free 
throws.  The 5-foot-5 guard went 5 of 13 from the floor, including a three-
pointer, and made 9 of 10 charity tosses for her season-high 20 points.
	Cressler played a major role in the first half, tossing in 12 of her 
career-high 20 points.  After Keene's Courtney Clarke (Trenton, N.J.) hit a 
three-point shot to pull the Owls within one (30-29) with 2:37 left in the half, 
Cressler responded with a long-range shot (4 of 7 from beyond the arc) of her 
own to lead a 9-4 run to leave the Huskies up at the break, 39-33.
	Keene State led only once in the game when freshman Cathy Mechare (Salls 
Village, Conn.) stole the ball and converted a layup for a 2-0 margin.  USM 
junior Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) put the Huskies in the lead for good the 
next trip down the floor, scoring a basket and free throw.  Crockett finished 
the game with 16 points.
	The Owls were paced by sophomore Aly Araque (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) with 
15 points.  Senior Erika Forsberg (Laconia, N.H.) and freshman Meghan Csizmesia 
(Arlington, Vt.) each chipped in with 12.  Forsberg also grabbed a team-high 
seven rebounds.
	Southern Maine finished the game shooting 47 percent (25 of 53) from the 
floor and 77 percent (20 of 26) from the line.  Keene State, which shot just 28 
percent (8 of 29) against the Huskies defense in the second half, hit just 34 
percent (19 of 56) its shots for the game.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2001

Southern Maine Holds off Colby, 61-49 

	GORHAM, Maine: Junior forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) scored a 
game-high 19 points, and the University of Southern Maine slowly pulled away 
from Colby College en route to a 61-49 triumph Wednesday night at the Warren G. 
Hill Gymnasium.
	After taking a 31-28 advantage into the halftime break, Southern Maine 
opened the second half with a 14-7 run to build a 45-35 lead with 10:21 
remaining. Colby answered with a 5-0 run, capped by a three-pointer from 
sophomore guard Cara Dionisi (Sudbury, Mass.) to pull within 45-40 with 8:56 to 
play in the game.
	However, the Huskies answered with an 8-2 run, to build an apparently safe 
53-42 margin with 4:02 remaining. The Mules staged a final comeback, and clawed 
to within 53-49 on a three-pointer by senior forward Katy Lawson (Mount Desert, 
Maine) with 1:50 remaining.
	Southern Maine connected on 8-of-10 free throws down the stretch to insure 
the triumph.
	Colby, which fell to 3-4, was led by Lawson's team-high 14 points, while 
junior center Sarah Walsh (Catonsville Md.) added 12 points and a game-high 12 
rebounds.
	Sophomore guard Megan Cressler (Appleton, Maine) added 14 points for the 
Huskies, who improved to 6-1.
	USM travels to Keene, N.H., this Saturday to play the Keene State College 
Owls in a Little East Conference contest at 1:00 p.m.  Colby hosts Salem State 
College in a non-conference match-up on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

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Saturday, December  1, 2001

Southern Maine Defeats Western Connecticut, 65-51, in LEC Opener 

	GORHAM, Maine: Sophomore guard Megan Cressler (Appleton, Maine) scored a 
game-high 17 points and freshman guard Amanda Leavitt (Pittsfield, Maine) added 
13 points, as the University of Southern Maine pulled away from visiting Western 
Connecticut State University in the second half en route to a 65-51 triumph in 
the Little East Conference opener for each team Saturday afternoon at Warren G. 
Hill Gymnasium.
	Holding a narrow 25-23 advantage with 1:59 remaining in the first half, 
Southern Maine scored five consecutive points to build a 30-23 advantage at the 
break, and opened the second half with a 4-0 run to grab a 34-23 lead with 19:25 
to play. 
	Western Connecticut could pull no closer than 44-37, on a short jumper 
from sophomore forward Miranda George (Yonkers, NY) at 12:13 of the second half. 
Southern Maine answered with a three-pointer from Cressler to regain a double-
digit lead (47-37) with 11:09 to play 
	The Huskies, who led by no less than 10 points the rest of the way, built 
their largest lead of 63-45 on a pair of free throws from Cressler with 31 
seconds to play. Over the final 1:47 of play, the Huskies connected on 10-12 
free throw attempts. For the game, Southern Maine connected on 19-of-31 (.613) 
free throws, while Western Connecticut made just 4-of-9 (.444).
	Sophomore forward Lindsay Johnson, (Deer Park, Texas) scored a team-high 
16 points, while sophomore forward Christin Morgatto (Seymour, Conn.) added 10 
points and a game-high 10 rebounds for Western Connecticut, which fell to 2-4 
overall and 0-1 in the LEC.
	Southern Maine, which improved to 5-1 and 1-0, received seven points and 
six rebounds from senior forward Jamie Zahm (Montpelier, V.t.) and six points 
and six rebounds from senior guard Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine)

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Thursday, November 29, 2001

Huskies Hold Off Noríeasters 62-54

	BIDDEFORD, Maine  --  Sophomore Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) scored 16 
points to pace three players in double figures as the University of Southern 
Maine Huskies held off a second half rally by the University of New England 
Noríeasters for a 62-54 victory in a non-conference game Thursday night.
	The Huskies used a 14-4 run midway through the first half to erase a two-
point deficit (8-6) and take the lead for good.  Cressler was a major factor in 
the run, hitting three three-point field goals.  Senior forward Tasha Little 
(Brunswick, Maine), who had her best night as a Husky, had the other five 
points.
	USM pushed the lead to as many as 10 on two occasions before settling for 
a 30-24 advantage at the half.  Cressler had 14 points by the break.
	Junior forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) scored four points in the 
first minute of the second half as the Huskies pushed the lead back into double 
figures, where it remained for the next five minutes.
	The Noríeasters responded with an 11-3 run over a seven-minute span to cut 
the lead to 48-43 with 8:13 to play.  Senior forward Amanda Rodgerson (Hampden, 
Maine) ignited the rally with a pair of base line jumpers.  Sophomore guard 
Amanda Brown (Scarborough, Maine) added a pair of three-pointers and a free 
throw for the Noríeasters.
	Brownís fourth trifecta of the second half cut the lead to four (52-48) 
with 6:02 left, but that is as close as UNE would come.
	Little gave the Huskies some breathing room with a pair of baskets before 
both teams hit a three-minute dry spell.  Senior Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, 
Maine) broke the drought for the Huskies with 1:17 remaining, and Crockett added 
a free throw with 29 seconds to play to push the lead back up to 11 (59-48).
	Cressler hit 6-of-13 shots, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, for her 
16 points.  Crockett, who was held to four points in the first half, finished 
with 15 points while Little had 13 points off the bench.  Crockett and Little 
each had eight rebounds.  The three combined for 19 of USMís 25 field goals.
	Brown led the Noríeasters with 16 points to share game-high scoring honors 
with Cressler.  Rodgerson posted a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 
15 rebounds.  Sophomore Missy Stults (Goshen, Ind.) contributed 10 points.
	The Huskies improved to 4-1 overall with the victory.  They will open 
their 2001-02 Little East Conference schedule at 1:00 p.m. this Saturday 
(December 1) when Western Connecticut State University comes to Gorham.  UNE 
dipped to 2-3 overall.  The Noríeasters will host Thomas College on Saturday, 
also at 1:00 p.m.

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Tuesday, November 27, 2001

Bowdoin College Upends Southern Maine, 49-40

	GORHAM, Maine  --  Junior forward Kristi Royer (Lewiston, Maine) scored a 
game-high 14 points and sophomore guard Laura Trenkle (Surry, Maine) contributed 
nine timely points, as Bowdoin College overcame a slow start to post a 49-40 
decision over the University of Southern Maine on Tuesday night at Warren G. 
Hill Gymnasium.
	After trailing 8-0 with 17:10 to play in the first half, Bowdoin outscored 
Southern Maine by a 22-9 margin to take a 22-17 lead into the break. The Polar 
Bears took their first lead at 18-16 on a short jumper by freshman forward Erika 
Nickerson (Benton, Maine) with 4:57 to play in the first half. Southern Maine 
never regained the advantage.
	A pair of free throws from Royer gave Bowdoin a 31-24 lead with 12:42 to 
play. Southern Maine answered with a pair of baskets from freshman guard Amanda 
Leavitt (Pittsfield, Maine) and senior guard Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) 
to pull within 31-28 with 11:46 remaining. However, the Huskies would draw no 
closer the remainder of the game.
	The Polar Bears responded with a 6-2 run, which included a three-pointer 
from Trenkle, to build a 37-30 edge with 7:42 to play.
	Southern Maine attempted a final run late in the game, and pulled to 
within 40-36 with 3:05 to play, but Trenkle drained another three-pointer to put 
Bowdoin College up, 43-36 with 2:04 to play.
	The game was a defensive struggle, as Bowdoin connected on just 24.1% (13-
54) of its field goal attempts, while Southern Maine made just 29.1% (16-55). 
Southern Maine held a 47-41 advantage on the boards, but committed 22 turnovers 
to Bowdoin's 13.
	Southern Maine, which fell to 3-1, was paced by Leavitt (10 points) and 
senior forward Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, Vt.), who had eight points and seven 
rebounds.
	Bowdoin, which improved to 4-0, received eight points from senior guard 
Jessie Mayol (Westbrook, Maine). 

********************************************************************************

Monday, November 26, 2001

USM's Kara Crockett Name LEC Player of the Week

	GORHAM, Maine  --  Junior forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) of the 
University of Southern Maine women's basketball team has been selected by the 
Little East Conference as its first Player of the Week for the 2001-2002 season.  
The announcement was made by the conference office Monday afternoon.
	In the Huskies first three games, Crockett averaged 17.7 points, 4.7 
rebounds, and 2.7 blocked shots.  The 6-footer also shot .561 from the floor 
(23-of-41) and .778 from foul line (7-of-9).  According to conference statistics 
released Monday, Crockett ranked fourth in scoring, first in block shots per 
game, and first in field goal percentage.
	Crockett earned most valuable player honors after leading the Huskies to 
the championship at the season-opening Salem State Tip-Off Tournament with wins 
over the University of Maine at Farmington (62-47) and Salem State (58-46).  She 
had 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks against UMF in the opening game.  
In the championship game against Salem State, she had 16 points, five rebounds 
and a pair of blocks.
	Three days later against Bates College, Crockett poured in a career-high 
27 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the floor, grabbed four rebounds and blocked 
three shots as USM stayed unbeaten with its 71-68 victory.
	The Huskies host unbeaten Bowdoin College in their next game as part of a 
Tuesday night women's and men's doubleheader at the Warren G. Hill Gymnasium.  
The opening tap is set for 5:30 p.m.

********************************************************************************

Tuesday, November 20, 2001

Crockett Scores Career-High to Lead Huskies Past Bobcats 71-68

	GORHAM, Maine  --  Junior forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) scored a 
career-high 27 points to lead the University of Southern Maine Huskies to a 
71-68 victory over the Bates College Bobcats in a non-conference game Tuesday 
night at the Warren G. Hill Gymnasium.
	The win improved the Huskies overall mark to 3-0.  The game was the season 
opener for the Bobcats.
	Crockett hit 12 of 20 shots for the floor on the way to her 27 points.  
The 6-foot forward had 15 points in the second half as the Huskies overcame a 
seven-point halftime deficit.
	USM open the second half with a 15-3 run, keyed by Crockett's seven 
points, to take a 45-40 lead.  The Huskies maintained the lead the rest of the 
way, leading by 10 (67-57) with five minutes to play before the Bobcats staged a 
late comeback bid.  
	Freshman Olivia Zurek (Arlington, Mass.) ignited Bates' rally with four 
straight free throws.  The Bobcats got within four (67-63) before Crockett 
scored on the inside.  Senior Kate Dockery's (New York, N.Y.) three-point shot 
with 30 seconds to play pulled Bates within three, but the Huskies were able to 
hang on.
	Junior forward Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) was the only other USM player in 
double figures with 10 points.
	Junior Carla Flaherty (Gorham, Maine) led four Bates players in double 
figures with 14 points before fouling out with eight minutes to play.  Junior 
forward Lisa Golobski (Methuen, Mass.) added 12 while freshman Katie King 
(Turner, Maine) chipped in 11 and Zurek contributed 10 points and a game-high 12 
rebounds.
	Southern Maine returns to action after the Thanksgiving holiday break on 
Tuesday, November 27, when it entertains Bowdoin College.  Bates will host the 
University of New England next Monday in its home opener.

********************************************************************************

Saturday, November 17, 2001

Crockett, Cressler Lead Southern Maine Past Salem State 58-46

	SALEM, Mass.  --  Junior forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) and 
sophomore small forward Meg Cressler (Appleton, Maine) combined for 34 points to 
lead the University of Southern Maine Huskies to a 58-46 victory over the Salem 
State College Vikings Saturday afternoon in the championship game of the season-
opening Salem State Tip-Off Tournament at the O'Keefe Center.
	Southern Maine improved to 2-0 on the season and avenged a 12-point loss 
at the hands of the Vikings in last season's season-opening USM Invitational 
Tournament.  Salem State dipped to 1-1.  The two meet again at Salem on December 
11.  In the consolation game, the University of Maine at Farmington defeated 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 60-56.
	Crockett was named the tournament's most valuable player after posting 16 
points, five rebounds and two blocked shots.  Cressler, who was named to the 
all-tournament team, scored a career-high 18 points.  Freshman guard Amanda 
Leavitt (Pittsfield, Maine), who had nine points and a strong floor game, was 
also named to the all-tournament team.
	Gillian Almeida led the Vikings, coming off the bench to score 15 points.  
Kara Smolinsky was the only other Salem State player to reach double figures 
with 11 points.
	The Huskies used an 8-1 run over the final three minutes of the first half 
to take a 29-24 lead to the intermission.  Junior Jess Libby (Orono, Maine) 
ignited the run with a three-point basket.  Leavitt contributed a three-pointer, 
and Crocket converted a pair of free throws during the run.
	Cressler and Crockett combined for 22 of USM's 29 second half points as 
the Huskies maintained the lead throughout.  The lead reached 16 (52-36) when 
Crockett scored with 6:26 to play.

********************************************************************************

Friday, November 16, 2001

USM Advances to Title Game with Season-Opening Win

	SALEM, Mass:  Freshman guard Amanda Leavitt (Pittsfield, Maine) and junior 
forward Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) registered game co-highs of 10 points, 
and the University of Southern Maine pulled away from the University of Maine 
Farmington in the second half en route to a 62-47 triumph in the opening round 
of the Salem State Tip-Off at Twohig Gym in Salem, Mass. on Friday night.
	Southern Maine will advance to tomorrow's title game where it will face 
tournament host Salem State, which routed MIT, 77-22, in the opening round.
	Holding a slim 26-24 advantage at the break, Southern Maine employed a 
stifling defense in the second half, limiting the Beavers to six field goals on 
29 attempts (.207). For the game, the Beavers were held to 16 field goals on 63 
attempts (.254) . 
	Despite its shooting woes, Maine-Farmington held a decided advantage on 
the boards, outrebounding Southern Maine by a 46-32 margin. Freshman forward 
Kate LaHaye (Belfast, Maine) led all players with 11 rebounds, while junior 
forward Jocelyn Sawyer (Parsonsfield, Maine) added 8 rebounds, and senior guard 
Rachel Bard (Winslow, Maine) led the Beavers with nine points.
	Senior forward Tasha Little led the Huskies with six rebounds, while 
junior forward Jessica Libby and Crockett contributed five apiece. 
	Southern Maine has now won 11 consecutive season-openers since dropping a 
60-56 decision at Bridgewater State to open the 1989-90 campaign. 

********************************************************************************

Monday, November 12, 2001

Women's Basketball Captains Named at USM

	GORHAM, Maine:  Senior guard Niki Dominiczak (Dixfield, Maine) and junior 
forwards Kara Crockett (Glenburn, Maine) and Jaime Zahm (Montpelier, VT) have 
been named captains of the five-time defending Little East Conference champion 
University of Southern Maine women's basketball team for the 2001-02 season. 
	"I am excited about the selection of Niki, Kara and Jaime as captains," 
said 15th-year head coach Gary Fifield. "Over the years, our program has 
benefited tremendously from the guidance provided by our captains, and these 
three women should follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and continue 
our program's tradition of success."
	Dominiczak, Crockett and Zahm are among eight returning letterwinners, who 
will be joined by seven new faces, to comprise the 2001-02 edition of Southern 
Maine women's basketball. The contingent will look to expand upon the program's 
list of impressive accomplishments, which includes six consecutive trips to the 
NCAA Tournament, highlighted by appearances in the national championship game in 
1998 and 2000. Overall, the club has been to the NCAA Tournament 15 times in the 
last 16 years. In league play, the Huskies have captured the tournament crown 12 
times in the event's 15-year history. 
	A two-year starter, Zahm has played a prominent role in the club's recent 
success. During the 1999-2000 campaign, she averaged 9.3 points and 9.1 rebounds 
per game, and registered career highs of 19 points against Rowan and 17 rebounds 
against Plymouth State. She received all-tournament honors at the 2000 NCAA 
Tournament Sectional Finals and First Team all-conference honors. Zahm commenced 
the 2000-01 campaign in similar fashion, averaging 12.0 points and 6.8 rebounds 
through six games, before suffering a season-ending injury in the conference 
opener, when she tore the ACL in her right knee.
	"By the end of her sophomore year, Jaime had developed into one of the 
league's most athletic players," said Fifield. "She is an aggressive rebounder 
and scoring threat, runs the floor well in transition, and is capable of 
dominating both ends of the court. As disappointed as we were to lose her a year 
ago, we are equally ecstatic about her return this year." 
	The silver lining to Zahm's injury a year ago, was the playing time it 
provided for Crockett, who rapidly developed into one of the league's premier 
players. A starter in 21 games, she finished third on the team in scoring, 
averaging 11.1 points per game, and was second in rebounding with 6.6 caroms per 
contest. She registered double figures in points in 16 games and turned in a 
career-high 19-point effort at UMass Dartmouth. Crockettt collected double 
figures in rebounds four times, including a career-high 16 against Rhode Island 
College.  She led the team in field goal percentage (.548), connecting on 121-
of-221 attempts, and sank 67 percent of her free throws.
	Defensively, she rejected 92 shots, which ranks as the fourth-highest 
single-season total in school history, while her average of 3.4 blocked shots 
per game ranked sixth in the nation and first in the conference. On two 
occasions she blocked nine shots in a single game, one shy of the existing 
school record, while her 141 career rejections is sixth on the University's all-
time list. 
	In recognition of her stellar play, she received second team all-state 
honors and was named the Most Outstanding Performer of the LEC Tournament.
	"Kara was thrust into a challenging situation and she emerged as one of 
the premier post players in New England," said Coach Fifield. "She is a 
tremendous rebounder, runs the floor very well and was among the conference's 
most dominant players by the end of last year. "
	A two-year starter, Dominiczak contributed 7.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per 
game last year, and connected on 54.2 percent (83-of-153) of her field goal 
attempts. She enjoyed a memorable performance at UMass Dartmouth when she 
established career highs in points (22) and rebounds (13). Overall, she 
registered double figures in points on six occasions, while tallying double 
figure in rebounds five times. 
	"Niki is a product of the tradition-rich Dirigo High School program," said 
Fifield. "Between Southern Maine and Dirigo, she has won her share of titles, 
and is well versed in the dedication and commitment involved in continuing a 
successful program."
	The trio of Crockett, Dominiczak and Zham will lead the club on a 
challenging 25-game, regular-season schedule, which includes 12 home dates and a 
full slate of 14 league contests. The Huskies commence the campaign at the two-
game Salem Tip-Off Tournament on Friday-Saturday, November 16-17. Southern Maine 
will play the University of Maine Farmington (5:00) in the opening round, and 
either host Salem State or MIT (1:00/3:00) in the second round.
	Southern Maine will play home games against Bates (5:30) on Nov. 20 and 
Bowdoin (5:30) on Nov. 27, before travelling to the University of New England 
(5:30) on Nov. 29.
	The Huskies will play a pair of home games to begin the month of December, 
opening league play against Western Connecticut (1:00) on Dec. 1, and  Colby 
(5:30) on Dec. 5, before travelling to Keene State (1:00) on Dec. 8, and Salem 
State (6:00) on Dec. 11.  Southern Maine will close out the calendar year by 
hosting the Holiday Tournament on December 29-30, where it will face Westfield 
State (3:00) in the opening round and either Husson or Elmira (1:00/3:00) in the 
second round.
	The month of January consists of games on Jan. 3, at Clark University 
(6:00); Jan. 5, at UMass Dartmouth (1:00); Jan. 8, Rhode Island College (5:30); 
Jan 12, Eastern Connecticut (1:00); Jan. 15, Plymouth State (5:30); Jan. 19, at 
Western Connecticut (1:00); Jan. 22, UMass Boston (5:30); Jan. 26, Keene State 
(1:00); Jan 30, at St. Joseph's (5:30).
	The Huskies close out the regular season with games on Feb. 2, UMass 
Dartmouth (1:00); Feb. 5, at Plymouth State (5:30); Feb. 9, at Rhode Island 
College (1:00); Feb. 12, at UMass Boston (5:30); and Feb. 16, at Eastern 
Connecticut (1:00).
	The Little East Conference tournament, which will involve only the top six 
teams, will have two first round games on February 19. The semifinals and finals 
will be held at the site of the regular-season champion on February 22-23. The 
winner of the tournament will receive an automatic bid to the 2001 NCAA Division 
III Women's Basketball Championship Tournament. 

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