CASTINE, Maine – Maine Maritime women's basketball beat University of Southern Maine, 71-64 Friday night in the opening round of the Mariner Pepsi Invitational.

How it Happened: Lauren Cook (Charlotte, Maine) sparked the Mariners' offense by scoring seven straight points in a 10-0 run to start the game. Maine Maritime continued to score a high volume of points, ending the quarter with a score of 21-11. The Huskies cut the Mariners lead in the second quarter to seven, to make the score 35-28 at halftime.

The Huskies came back strong in the second half, reaching within one point of Maine Maritime with 5:28 left to play in the third quarter. The two teams continued to battle closely in a competitive fourth quarter. Maria Barela (Albuquerque, N.M.) closed out the game for the Mariners, making five free throws to secure the 71-64 victory.

Inside the Numbers: Cook led the Mariners with a game-high 15 points, two rebounds, and one assist. Lauren Plissey (Hermon, Maine) tallied a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, in addition to six blocks, six assists, and one steal. Barela came off the bench for the Mariners scoring 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Up Next: The Mariners improve to 3-0 overall, while the Huskies fall to 1-1. Maine Maritime returns to action on Sunday, November 14 at 1:00pm against Springfield College in the final day of the Mariner Pepsi Invitational.