CASTINE, Maine — There is a discernible intensity demonstrated by the members of the Bowdoin College women’s basketball team.
It begins with tenacious effort on the defensive end and is evident in the Polar Bears’ swarming run-and-jump press, which often fuels their offensive success.
Even back during her days at Bangor High School, Amy Hackett always had a good game face. Her drive has helped make her a good fit for 18th-ranked Bowdoin of Brunswick.
Hackett, a 5-foot-8 sophomore guard, had a breakout offensive performance Tuesday night during the Polar Bears’ 64-52 victory over Maine Maritime Academy.
Hackett connected for a career-high 16 points, going 4-for-9 from the field and 7-for-11 from the foul line for coach Adrienne Shibles’ squad, which improved to 14-3. She scored 11 points in the second half
“She’s really maturing as a player, which is great,” Shibles said.
Hackett, who went into the game averaging 5.4 points per contest, is settling in with one of the nation’s top Division III women’s basketball programs. She has started all 16 games this season and ranks fourth on the team while playing 23.2 minutes per game.
She also has averaged 3.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and almost a steal per outing.
“I feel a little more comfortable on the court with a year under my belt,” Hackett said.
With Bowdoin, Hackett has meshed nicely on a talented and well-balanced ballclub that features outstanding defense and several good scorers.
Hackett has been part of a backcourt that includes junior guard Katie Bergeron of Bradley, senior Sabrina Cote of Dexter, freshman Kaitlin Donahoe and sophomore Ellery Gould.
On Tuesday, Hackett was particularly strong going to the basket off the dribble. Her baskets included an offensive rebound, an 18-foot jumper, a 3-pointer and a driving layup.
“What’s nice is to see her developing confidence with her outside shot, too,” Shibles said. “I think she had a nice balance of getting to the rim and hitting some shots when they were playing off of her.”
Hannaford boosts USM athletics
The Hannaford Charitable Foundation has provided a lead gift of $250,000 to spearhead an athletic facility upgrade at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.
Hannaford’s gift will provide a big boost as USM begins a $1 million fundraising to convert a grass athletic field into a synthetic-turf facility with lights.
The Huskies’ men’s and women’s soccer teams use the existing field, but the improvements will allow USM’s lacrosse and field hockey teams to utilize the facility.
“This Hannaford gift will provide us with our first all-weather surface, giving us much greater flexibility when scheduling field hockey, soccer and lacrosse,” said USM athletic director Al Bean. “The turf, when combined with the lights, also opens up opportunities for USM recreational programs and allows us to explore giving community groups access to the field as well.”
The Hannaford Charitable Foundation also provided $500,000 for the construction of USM’s Hannaford Lecture Hall in Portland, which opened in 2005.
Six Eagles honored by ECFC
Husson University has placed six players on the inaugural Eastern Collegiate Football Conference All-Academic Team.
The brother trio of sophomores Jack Hersom, Mike Hersom and Tom Hersom, all of Sidney, headlines the list of honorees. Husson’s other selections are senior Keenon Blindow, sophomore Kyle Vanidestine of Bangor and sophomore James Wood of Winslow.
The all-academic picks must be at least a sophomore with two years’ football experience who earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
“All of the players selected have shown the same work ethic both on and off the field,” said Husson coach Niles Nelson. “More importantly, they are scholar athletes. They are also excellent individuals with regard to their character.”