CASTINE, Maine – Maine Maritime women's basketball beat UMaine-Presque Isle 82-49 Friday evening in a North Atlantic Conference (NAC) matchup.

How it Happened: After a slow two minutes of play, Maria Barela (Albuquerque, N.M.) knocked down a three to ignite a 14-2 Mariner run. The Mariners continued with an explosive offense, ending the first quarter with a score of 21-9. Lauren Cook (Charlotte, Maine) splashed one of her six three pointers to start the second quarter as the two teams traded baskets. The Mariners ended the half on an 11-3 run to make the score 47-21 at halftime.

The Owls came out strong in the second half, scoring six quick points on the Mariners. Maine Maritime answered with a 16-4 run as Cook and Makenzie Monzon (Orlando, Fla.) hit three three-pointers in a row to make the score 63-31 with three minutes left in the third quarter. Barela ended the quarter with a layup and the Mariners led by 30 going into the fourth. The Owls continued to claw their way back into the game, but the Mariners kept their foot on the pedal, claiming an 82-49 victory.

Inside the Numbers: Barela led the Mariners recording a double-double, with a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds, along with five assists and three steals. Cook added 17 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Monzon chipped in a career-high 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Sydney Briscoe (Englewood, N.J.) recorded her third double-double of the season with 14 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, along with two assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Paige Espling led the Owls with 15 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. Emily Wheaton added 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Rebecca Davila added nine points, three rebounds, and three assists off the bench.

The Mariners shot 38.2% from the hardwood and 36.1% from the three, while UMaine-Presque Isle shot 30.2% from the floor and 6.7% from beyond the arc.

Up Next: The Mariners improve to 13-2 overall and 7-0 in conference, while UMaine-Presque Isle falls to 7-5 overall and 2-4 in conference. The Mariners and Owls will return to action tomorrow at 1:00pm in Smith Gym.