Five UMA women’s basketball players receive national honors

UNIONTOWN, Penn. - University of Maine at Augusta women's basketball star Katie Poirier (Harmony, Maine) was one of only ten players named to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National All-American team on Tuesday night.

Teammates Ashley Peaslee (South China, Maine) and Jenn Lola (Monmouth, Maine) received honorable mention, as these three UMA players were among only four women's basketball players from the Yankee Small College Conference to be recognized with All-American accolades.

Senior Alyssa Betts (Kents Hill, Maine) and Freshman Katie Gayne (Augusta, Maine) were both named to the USCAA National Acadmic All-American team for the second time this season.  Both Betts and Gayne were also named to the National Acadmic All-American team for soccer as well.

"Our representation on this year's All-American team is truly deserving," said head coach Jennifer Laney. "Our team is comprised of intelligent, committed and determined student-athletes who work hard everyday both in the classroom and on the court."

Prior to receiving the national honors, Poirier was also voted the YSCC Player of the Year, leaving UMA as the second all time leading scorer in history and the all-time leading rebounder. Poirier became only the second player in women's history to eclipse the 1,000 point mark in February of the season. The 5'10 center was named YSCC Player of the Week three times during the 2011-12 season.

"Katie works extremely hard in all situations and she has had the success she's had this year despite being double and triple teamed in the paint," said Laney. "She is a powerhouse and an all around respected athlete. She helped lead the way to UMA's first regular season championship and the number one seed in the playoffs."

 Peaslee leaves UMA as the all-time leading scorer, and also holds the record for career steals. She became the first player in UMA history to eclipse the 1,000 point mark in January of this year. Peaslee was named to the YSCC All-Conference team for the third time in her career at UMA.

Lola received her first YSCC All-Conference award in her sophomore season after leading the Moose in scoring, averaging 19.0 points per game, including 75 triples. The 5'9 guard enters her junior year needing only 212 points to reach the 1,000 point plateau.