By Kylie Johnson

AUBURN, Maine – The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) women's basketball team was defeated 66-48 by the host and #1-seeded Mustangs of Central Maine Community College in the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) championship game Sunday, Mar. 5.

The Seawolves trailed after the first quarter by just one point, but the Mustangs turned in on the second to get ahead by a comfortable margin. The Seawolves played near even basketball in the second half but were unable to make up the deficit.

Junior captain Ashleigh Mathisen (Portland, Maine) put together a strong showing of 11 points and four rebounds. First-year Jaylyn Bartolome (Sanford, Maine) recorded seven points and five rebounds, and junior captain Bailey Whitney (Norway, Maine) Whitney finished with six points and nine rebounds.

Emily Strachan put up 15 points, five steals, and seven rebounds for the Mustangs and teammate Mikenzie Melendez ended with 12 points and four steals.

Following the contest, SMCC's Aija Andrews (Norwalk, Conn.) was awarded the Defensive Player of the Tournament.

The Seawolves conclude their season at 20-8 overall.

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