FARMINGTON, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington women's basketball team (11-9, 9-4) closely battled Castleton University (17-4, 12-2) for the opening half, but the Beavers fell in the end with a 59-38 North Atlantic Conference loss on Saturday afternoon in Dearborn Gymnasium.

Meghan Smith (Boothbay, Maine/Boothbay Region) was the leading scorer for the Beavers with 13 points. The senior made 9-fo-12 attempts at the line, recorded seven rebounds, and dished an assist. Kennadi Grover (Cushing, Maine/Oceanside) scored six points for UMF on 3-of-5 shooting and grabbed three rebounds. Cheyenne Malloy (Skowhegan, Maine/Skowhegan) and Bridget Humphrey (Jefferson, Maine/Erskine Academy) added five points apiece with Humphrey charting a team-high nine rebounds.

The Spartans had three players reach double figures with Jade Desroches and Bryanna duPont leading the team with 11 points each. Desroches ended her afternoon on 5-of-13 shooting, three rebounds, and three steals. DuPont shot 5-of-9 from the floor and tallied four rebounds. Makayla Farrara contributed ten points off the bench. 

The final score was not a reflection of the entire game. The two conference rivals traded baskets for much of the first half with the Spartans leading at the break, 25-22. 

In the third quarter, the Beavers claimed their first lead of the second half with a free throw from Smith, but the Spartans closed out the half strong offensively and took a 40-31 advantage into the final quarter. 

Castleton continued to stay hot from the floor and opened the fourth quarter on a 19-2 run to seal the conference win. 

UMaine-Farmington will battle Maine Maritime Academy on Tuesday in Dearborn Gymnasium.