Defensive intensity for 40 minutes and some timely foul shooting down the stretch led the Lady Mustangs to a hard-fought, 72-66 victory over the Eagles of Husson University.
CM jumped out to an early lead using their swarming full-court pressure defense to fluster the Eagles, and relied on their stingy half-court man-to-man defense the rest of the way. Numerous lead changes occurred throughout the first half. The Mustangs led by as much as 8, while Husson clawed back to take their own 4-point lead. Maggie McConkey and Gabby Foy provided the offensive firepower in the first half for CM. McConkey tallied 10 first half points, while Foy struck from downtown with 4 first half 3's to finish the first frame with 14 points. Husson's Samira Cruz led the Eagles with 7, of her team high 11 points, in the half. Going into the break, the score was 38-38.
The Lady Mustangs started the 2nd half with even better in-your-face defense, holding the Eagles scoreless for the first 3-1/2 minutes of the second half. During this time, CM was only able to build a 4 point lead, but it was a lead they would never give up. Susie French hit from 3, as did McConkey twice, and Shaila Cole played great defense off the bench, hitting a 3 as well.
McConkey and Jasmine Ramos took crucial offensive fouls, and Foy, Hannah Champagne and Lexi Larson came up with some pivotol defensive stops. Laura Soohey led the team with 10 rebounds (4 offensive), and when Soohey got in foul trouble, Madison's Courtney Taylor came up with important minutes off the bench.
With the game clock ever-so slowly ticking down, Samantha Bruce came up with a big layup and 2 FT's in the late minutes to help seal the deal. French and Foy each went 2-2 from the foul line down the stretch as well.
This was the 3rd exhibition win for CM over an NCAA DIII school (CM previously defeated Lyndon State College and Thomas College). The Lady Mustangs are back in action tomorrow night when they host Navy Prep at 5:00pm. At halftime, CM will be honoring last year's women's basketball team who won the YSCC Championship.