2008-09 USCAA National Tournament Recap

Harris, Seams go out in style

UNIONTOWN, Penn. - Michelle Holmquist poured in a game-high 26 points to lead Central Maine Community College in a 70-63 United States Collegiate Athletic Association tournament victory over Penn State Fayette on Saturday.

Tanea Preston scored 15 of her 19 points in the first half as the Lions enjoyed a one-point advantage at the break.

The Mustangs used their quickness to create multiple turnovers in the second
half, receiving stellar defensive play from Kerri Harris and Katie Martin.

Britney Salley tallied eight of her 12 points in the second half while Tiffany Seams added 12 points, including a pair of treys.

Down by four with under one minute remaining, the Lions were forced to foul,
sending Harris to the line on three occasions where she sank five of six to seal the win. The victory had special meaning for Harris and Seams, as it was the final game of their basketball careers at CMCC.

Bethany Novotney scored 14 for the Lions, Susie Kimmel canned 12 and Carey Cox
added 11.

The Mustangs, who received a bid to the national tournament after winning the
Yankee Conference championship, finish 11th in the nation and complete the
season with a 20-7 record.

Seahawks fly away from Lady Mustangs

McKEESPORT, Penn. - Tamika Pearson tallied a game-high 22 points to lead Briarcliffe College (NY) in a 58-47 victory over Central Maine Community College in second round United States Collegiate Athletic Association playoff action on Thursday.

The two halves were polar opposites for the Mustangs, who fell to Briarcliffe 63-52 during the regular season. The Mustangs came out strong and led for much of the opening frame with solid inside play from Britney Salley and Katie Martin while allowing few open looks on the defensive end.

Trailing by two at the half, the Mustangs were held without a point for over four minutes in the second half allowing the Seahawks to build a double-digit lead down the stretch.
Salley ignited the Mustang attack with 10 points, but was forced to leave the game early in the second half with a chest injury.

Tiffany Seams hit three from behind the arc and finished with 10 points while Katie Martin, Kayla Ellis and Michelle Holmquist scored six points apiece.

Leona Virgo also hit double digits for the Seahawks with 10 points while Helena Sargent added seven.

Lady Mustangs can't tame Lions

McKEESPORT, PA - Jasmine Green registered 18 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to lead Penn State Beaver in a 79-53 victory over Central Maine Community College in the first round of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association women's tournament on Wednesday.

The Mustangs, who secured a tournament berth by defeating Southern Maine CC in the Yankee Conference championship game, were overmatched on both ends of the court as the Nittany Lions dominated the boards creating second and third chances that led to a 37-18 halftime advantage.

The Mustangs struggled to find open passing lanes and committed 29 turnovers and were limited to 34 percent shooting from the floor.

Tiffany Seams hit three from behind the arc and finished with a team-high 17 points. Michelle Holmquist added 13 points and six rebounds and Britney Salley registered eight points.

Heather Sandusky tossed in 18 points for the Nittany Lions while Ashley Jenkins and Tasia McCargo scored 11 apiece.