CASTINE, Maine – Maine Maritime Academy (1-1) fell in the Pepsi Mariner Challenge Championship to Roger Williams University (2-0) 45-34 on Sunday afternoon in Smith Gymnasium.
The Mariners held the Hawks to just 18 points in the first half but went only 13-63 from the field in the loss. Maine Maritime was also out rebounded 58-40.
"Roger Williams is a very good team. Defensively we did a great job but offensively we did not execute very well and the difference in the game was the offensive rebounds," said Head Coach Craig Dagan.
The Hawks pulled ahead 7-2 early in the game, but Bekah Campbell's (Corinth, Maine) layup pulled the Mariners within three points. Roger Williams scored the next eight points to jump out to a 15-4 lead, and then take an 18-10 lead into the half.
Angelica Ariola opened up the scoring in the second half with a jump shot to give the Hawks a 10-point lead, a deficit that the Mariners could not overcome, falling 45-34.
All-tournament selection Mary Badeen (Newport, Maine) led all scorers with 12 points, adding a game-high five steals and four rebounds for the Mariners, while Kristi Willey (Topsham, Maine) grabbed seven points, a team-high nine rebounds, and three steals. Jillian Perron(Skowhegan, Maine), added five points and five rebounds, was also named to the all-tournament team for the Mariners.
The Hawks were led by Katie Lowerre who had 11 points and nine rebounds, while Teagan Dunn grabbed 11 boards and eight points on her way to the all-tournament team. Angelic Ariola, the tournament MVP, tallied nine points and four rebounds, and Rachel Battista added nine points off the bench.
"I am happy with the effort we put together today but we just have to improve on our rebounding and be better moving forward," Dagan added.
Maine Maritime will return to the action next Saturday (Nov. 22nd) at Saint Joseph's College of Maine.
All-Tournament Team
Roger Williams - Angelica Ariola (MVP)
Roger Williams – Teagan Dunn
Maine Maritime – Jillian Perron
Maine Maritime – Mary Badeen
Bowdoin – Megan Phelps
Maine Fort Kent – Ericka Saucier