Published: December 8, 2025
GORHAM, Maine – It was all about the Huskies on Sunday night as the USM Women’s Basketball team put on an outstanding performance all over the court to bury local rivals St Joseph’s in the famed Costello Cup.
Costello Sports Complex rallied its fan club to support the Women’s Basketball team (3-1) in their first game back after the Thanksgiving break on Sunday, November 30. Facing up against the St Joes Monks (3-3), the Huskies reclaimed their title with their first win in 10 years in this post-holiday tradition matchup.
USM set the tone early with a showcase of defensive discipline and powerful ball movement. Captain Liz Cote kicked off the offensive rampage with a three to start the game, and the Huskies racked up the first 8 points of the contest unanswered. Some other standout individual performances from sophomores Lucy Wiles and Dakota Shipley, and senior transfer Jaycie Christopher saw the home team headed into the break with a 21-7 lead.
The second quarter was more of the same from the Huskies. Wiles tormented the Monks all game, making her presence felt as she turned players and beat defensive lines with her athleticism and composure. Her cross-court passes and assists to teammate Shipley gave fans another glimpse of the duo’s magic. Dak Shipley earned herself a trip to the free throw line, entering 14-for-16 so far this season, contributing to the team’s impressive 81% conversion rate from the line – an area Coach David Chadbourne has emphasized in practice. Behind the stats, Avah Ingalls was a standout. Her defensive work rate had a massive impact on the team that the box score couldn’t fully capture. Captain Campbell Doughty was a spark off the bench, joining the four starters for a short period. The Monks had no comeback, having trouble converting and marking their zones. The Huskies’ defense won every offensive rebound opportunity. Cote drained a buzzer-beater three with a second to go to round out the half, putting her team up 40-16.
After the first half was all Huskies, the Monks drew first blood in the second. Another Cote three erased all St Joes momentum and launched a wave of attacks for USM. Christopher continued to shine, driving up the court and finishing her own plays. Off the bench, 6”2 Lita Guslens stepped in to combat the Monk’s physicality and hit one off the glass right away, contributing during an impactful nine-minute stretch. Freshman Izzy Morelli also impressed, as Chadbourne gave some rookies a chance to gain some experience without the five starters. A near-perfect defensive period left USM up 60-22 heading into the fourth.
To start the final frame, the Monks came out hard, scoring back-to-back threes. USM’s defense remained locked, forcing turnovers and building some creative plays. Cristopher showcased some excellent ball handling, flirting with a double-double. Wiles capped her standout night with another three, finishing a perfect 4-for-4 and 18 points. Freshmen Franki Bello and Baleria Yugu also added points from the free throw line; Yugu became the 10th different player on the scoreboard.
The Huskies cruised to a decisive victory, doubling St Joe’s score as the game finished 70-35. Their win was built on discipline, cohesion, and depth in the roster.
Southern Maine turns now to the Little East Conference; following a road trip to UMass Boston, their next home game is Saturday, December 6, against Western Connecticut (1:00 pm). The team looks to continue its promising run of form as they round out the year.
