Presque Isle, ME - Northern Vermont University-Lyndon stayed within striking distance of the University of Maine at Presque Isle until well into the fourth quarter of Saturday's North Atlantic Conference women's basketball game.  The Hornets were never able to overtake the Owls, however, as UMPI emerged with a 94-84 victory in what was the regular season finale for both teams.  UMPI improves to 12-9 on the season and 7-6 in NAC play.  Lyndon falls to 9-11 overall and 3-9 in conference.

UMPI's Emily Wheaton drained a three-pointer on the game's opening possession and the Owls never relinquished the lead.  UMPI jumped out to a 12-3 advantage and led 20-11 after one quarter.

UMPI extended their lead to 25-11 following a Mariah Dunbar three-pointer a minute into the second quarter.  At that point, the Hornets rallied to get back into the contest.  Saleena Porter's (St. Johnsbury, VT) jumper capped a 17-6 Hornet run to bring the Hornets back to within 31-28 with 3:13 to go before intermission.  The Owls eventually took a 40-34 lead into halftime.

UMPI extended their advantage back into double figures in the opening minutes of the third quarter.  Paige Espling's free throws made it 49-38, Owls at the 5:40 mark.  The Hornets again rallied, and when Riann Fortin (Derby, VT) scored, was fouled, and made the free throw, Lyndon was within one at 56-55 with 48 seconds to go in the quarter.  Three Owl free throws gave UMPI a 59-55 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Hornets never got any closer in the final quarter, as UMPI held them off for the ten point win.

Espling paced UMPI with 23 points.  Rebecca Davila came off the bench to score 17 points while Wheaton and Alexis Ireland chipped in 16 and 12 points respectively.  Lea Crompton (Dunbarton, NH) led Lyndon with 26 points.  Fortin recorded a double double with 22 points and 15 rebounds.  Porter also reached double figures with 12 points.

UMPI converted 30 of 60 shots (50.0%), including seven of 19 (36.8%) from behind the three-point arc.  Lyndon made 31 of 77 attempts (31.6%) and six of 19 (31.6%) from distance.  Both teams shot well at the foul line.  UMPI held the advantage, making 27 of 30 attempts (90.0%), while Lyndon made 16 of 19 (84.2%).  UMPI outrebounded Lyndon, 38-30.

The Hornets will now move on to the North Atlantic Conference playoffs.  Lyndon is the #5 seed in the NAC's East Division and will travel to #4 University of Maine at Farmington for a first round game on Tuesday.  Tip-off time is to be announced.