WATERVILLE, ME
The UMPI Women's Basketball team played their last game of the 2024-25 season, as they'd take on the Thomas College Terriers Sunday afternoon in Waterville. Despite an early Owl lead, they weren't able to contain the Terriers down the stretch and ultimately fell by a score of 62-42.
How it Happened:
The Owls got out to a strong start early, scoring in the paint and on the perimeter and jumped out to an 11-5 lead. The Terriers responded with a 6-0 run to tie it but UMPI would lead after the back and forth first quarter 14-13. The second quarter saw the Terriers start to heat up as they scored 12 of the first 14 points to take a 25-16 lead with 3:36 to go in the half. Only one basket the rest of the quarter for either side and Thomas led 25-18 at the half. In the third, the Owls scored the first five points to get back within two, however, this was the closest they'd ever get. At 27-25, Thomas went on a big 12-0 run to take firm control of the game. This cushion proved to be all the Terriers needed as they'd win the fourth quarter as well and cruise to a 20-point victory.
Top Performers:
Alexis Ireland led the way again for the Owls with 15 points and eight rebounds throughout her 39 minutes played. She will finish her career as UMPI Women's Basketball's all-time leading scorer and rebounder with 1099 rebounds and 1,385 points. Anaira Ayala finished the day with 12 points and four more threes as she puts a bow on a fantastic shooting season for the Owls in which she made 81 threes which is believed to be a program record for most in a season. Lindsay Hamilton pitched in seven points while Camryn Ala had five and Jovanna Oliva had three to round out the scoring for UMPI.
The Owls will finish their season 4-19 and 3-10 in conference in a year where they faced innumerable challenges with low numbers complemented with injuries and many other adverse factors. The Owls persisted during a rebuilding year and will be remembered as the team that they never slowed down and never stopped fighting no matter the circumstances.