BIDDEFORD, Maine - Jocelyn Chaput (Nashua, N.H.) notched a double-double that included a career-high 23 points as the University of New England women's basketball team rolled past Salve Regina University, 83-54, in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) action Tuesday evening (Jan. 8) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

 

Winners of three in-a-row, the Nor'easters (5-0 CCC) move above .500 for the first time since the opening game of the season, now at 7-6. UNE has captured the last 15 meetings against the Seahawks, who drop to 5-9 (1-4 CCC).

 

Supporting Chaput was Ashley Coneys (Dover, N.H.) with 18 points, highlighted by a 12-of-15 showing at the charity stripe. Reigning CCC Player of the Week Sadie Nelson (Windham, Maine) went for 13 points and eight rebounds, helping the hosts to a 43-28 advantage on the glass. Abby Cavallaro (South Portland, Maine), Madalyn Sanborn (Lyndonville, Vt.), and Sabrina Johnson (Merrimack, N.H.) chipped in with seven, six, and six points, respectively.

 

The hosts took a 13-7 edge in the early-going, but trailed by a couple (19-17) at the conclusion of the 1st period. Chaput opened the ensuing quarter with a trey that restored the lead for good, and the spread was nine (32-23) at the midway break. UNE limited Salve Regina to 1-of-14 shooting in the 2nd frame, while forcing five turnovers.

 

The Nor'easters extended the cushion to 53-37 through 30 minutes, and connected on 21-of-27 free throw attempts following halftime to increase the margin further.

 

For the Seahawks, Kerri Beland (Attleboro, Mass.) had 14 points and Torie Scorpio (Cranston, R.I.) contributed 13. Brooke Vonasek (Willington, Conn.) grabbed a team-best eight rebounds.