Auburn, ME – The home team was back in action today at Kirk Hall as the Central Maine Mustangs tipped off against their downstate rival Southern Maine in semi-final action of the Women's "YSCC Elite 8" Basketball Tournament. From the opening tip, the Mustangs looked like the #1 team in the Nation, a title they held for the majority of the season. Their pressure exhibited on the SMCC Seawolves was unlike anything we have seen in the Yankee Conference for some time. CM wore SMCC out early with their run and trap defense, showing that their basketball IQ and conditioning was top notch. The Ladies from CM shared the basketball, made the extra pass, and knew where their teammates were on the floor at all times. By the 10 minute mark in the first half, the Mustangs led 23-2 and 43-8 by halftime. At the break, Maggie Sabine led CM with 15 points.

Often times in basketball it is a player or two that makes the difference in a game. In the case of the Lady Mustangs it is the exact opposite. It begins with Coach Andrew Morong, whose energy is electric and infectious, and is passed down to every person on his roster. If Webster had a definition for "team effort," you would see a team photo of the Lady Mustangs. They are the real deal.

The second half did not get any better for the Seawolves as the Mustangs created too much of a gap for the SMCC ladies to overcome. As the final buzzer sounded, it was CMCC with the victory 81-33. The Mustangs were led by Maggie Sabine with 23 points, followed by Susie French with 19. For SMCC, it was Jaimi Poland leading the way with 9. The CM Ladies will face NHTI Monday at 12pm for the YSCC Championship and a birth to the USCAA National Tournament.