Auburn, ME – The Lady Mustangs wrapped up a perfect conference record (their 3rd in 5 years), last week, earning the top spot in the Yankee Conference Elite 8 Tournament.  CM is riding a 12-game win streak, which is, believe it or not, their 2nd longest win streak of the season after starting the year 15-0.  Their only setback on the season was a 78-60 beat down at Dean College over a month ago, a team the Lady Mustangs split with this season.

Since their loss, CM has only given up more than 57 points in a game, one time, during an 89-67 victory over St. Joseph's (VT) on January 21st.  Thursday's quarterfinal game is against the 8th seed, Hampshire College.  CM and Hampshire met only once this year, with the Lady Mustangs coming away with a 91-39 win in Amherst, MA on January 27th.  During this game, CM was without the services of Jenny Schlim, Brooke Reynolds, and Taylor Esty, all of whom were sitting out with minor injuries.  All 13 players who suited up for the game played double-digit minutes, with no one playing more than 19 minutes.  Allie Ablondi led the way with 16 points, Nicole Hamblin and Seve Deery-Deraps each connected for 14 points, with Tianna Harriman hitting for 13.  The Mustangs connected on 11 of 26 (42.3%) 3-point shots, while forcing 26 turnovers.

With a win on Thursday, CM would play the winner of #4 UMaine-Augusta and #5 College of St. Joseph's (VT) on Saturday at 12:00pm.  The Lady Mustangs defeated UMA twice this year, 62-51 at UMA on November 10th, and 53-44 at CM on January 30th.  In conference games, CM only scored less than 60 points one time.  UMA's tough half-court defense and experience make them a tough out in the tournament.

CM defeated the Fighting Saints of St. Joseph's (VT) twice this season as well.  On November 27th, CM beat CSJ 82-62 at home, while defeating them in Vermont 89-67 on January 21st.  The Fighting Saints are the 2nd highest scoring team in the league (69.1 ppg), only trailing CM (81.5 ppg). However, CSJ has given up the 4th most points per game (61.8), with CM leading the way, only giving up 43.5 ppg.

A win on Saturday would lead to a Championship Game appearance on Sunday at 12:00pm.

Leading the Lady Mustangs…

Points per game
Brooke Reynolds – 14.2 (4th in YSCC)
Jenny Schlim – 10.4 
Tianna Harriman – 9.6

Rebounds per game
Eraleena Gethers-Hairston – 10.6 (2nd in YSCC)
Brooke Reynolds – 8.1 (9th in YSCC)
Jenny Schlim – 4.3

Assists per game
Tianna Harriman – 3.6 (2nd in YSCC)
Nicole Hamblin – 3.3 (6th in YSCC)
Jenny Schlim – 3.1 (7th in YSCC)

FG%
Brooke Reynolds – 60.2 (1st in YSCC)
Eraleena Gethers-Hairston – 50.9 (4th in YSCC)
Jenny Schlim – 48.1 (5th in YSCC)

Did you know…

• All 16 available players average at least 7-minutes per game
• 13 players play at least 10-minues per game
• 12 of 16 players have scored in double-digits at least once this year
• Jenny Schlim has taken a school record, 16 offensive fouls this year
• The Lady Mustangs lead USCAA DII (national) and Yankee Conference in points per game (81.5), steals per game (18.8), and assists per game (20.2)

All games take place in the HUB gymnasium at Southern Maine Community College.  For those who cannot make it in person, you can watch all of the action live by clicking the video link associated with the game on our schedule page, or by going to www.yankeeconference.org.