PRESQUE ISLE, Maine - Thomas women's basketball showed tremendous grit and heart in their 57-53 first round North Atlantic Conference playoff loss to the University of Maine at Presque Isle.  

The first quarter was dominated by the Owls, outscoring the Terriers 12-4. Thomas settled down in the second quarter, finding their rhythm on both sides of the ball.  Kaylee Ravagli (Lowell, Mass.) made a layup as time expired in the first half, cutting UMPI's lead to 24-17.  

Thomas continued to play better and better as the game progressed. In the third quarter, they were able to make some key defensive stops as well as some key rebounds. Thomas went into the fourth quarter trailing by six points but with the momentum clearly shifting their way.  

With the Owls up 48-46, Alexis Ireland was able to draw the foul as she made a basket to extend the home team's lead to five points.  The Terriers did not give up as Ravagli hit a layup, got the immediate steal, hit another layup and drew the and one to tie the game.  

With three seconds remaining in the game and the Owls up 55-52, the Terriers called a timeout and drew up their play to tie the game. The Owls fouled Abby MacDonald, bringing her to the line. MacDonald made the first and purposefully missed the second but failed to hit the rim so the ball was turned over to UMPI, which sealed the win for the home team.  

Thomas got contributions from five different players. Ravagli led the way with 18 points while Anna Piirainen (West Paris, Maine) had 17 points and five assists. Samantha Fortin (New Gloucester, Maine) was just two rebounds short of a double-double, with 11 points and eight rebounds. Brianne Benecke (Oakland, Maine) had a huge rebounding night picking up 13 rebounds. The Owls were led by Emily Wheaton who had 11 points, they also had three players who picked up 10 points each.