CSJ holds on to advance to championship game

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AUBURN, Maine - The College of Saint Joseph's used a monster first quarter to defeat fourth-seeded Southern Maine Community College 72-62 Saturday afternoon in the semi-finals of the Yankee Small College Conference Elite Eight Tournament hosted by Central Maine Community College. The first0-seeded Saints move on to Sunday's championship game, awaiting the winner of the University of Maine at Augusta vs. CMCC game played later this afternoon.

The Saints jumped out to the early 24-7 lead in the first quarter, led by 10 points for YSCC Player of the Year Regina Steele (Ellenville, N.Y.). CSJ would need that cushion as the Seawolves battled back from a 27 point deficit to close to within eight points in the fourth quarter. SMCC actually out-scored the Saints 19-12 in the third quarter and 17-15 in the final period of play. 

CSJ had four players in double-digits on the day, led by 21 points from Chontayvia Kennedy (Trumbull, Conn.) who shot 50% from the floor. Arreonte Anderson (San Antonio, Tex.) had 16 points and six rebounds while Steele netted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jazsala Laracuente (Dorchester, Mass) was also in double-digits with 12 points and eight assists. 

The Seawolves were led by Alicia Hoyt (Steep Falls, Maine) who scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds. SMCC received solid bench support as well, with double-digit performances from Sammie Griffin (Union, Maine) and Maria Veino (Sanford, Maine) who scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Veins led her team in rebounds with nine boards while teammate Jordan Turner (Casco, Maine) dished out five assists.

The Saints advance to the championship game for the second game in a row, set for Sunday at noon.