Maine’s Blanca Millan led America East in scoring (21.7 points per game) and also ranked 14th nationally in steals per game (2.94). Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press
University of Maine senior guard Blanca Millan and Coach Amy Vachon were given the top individual awards Friday in America East women’s basketball.
Millan was named both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, and Vachon was chosen as Coach of the Year after leading Maine to its 17th regular-season league title and a 16-2 overall record (13-2 in America East).
Maine Coach Amy Vachon guided the Black Bears to a 16-2 overall record (13-2 in America East), including an 11-2 mark on the road. David Leaming/Morning Sentinel
Top-seeded Maine received a bye into the semifinals of the conference tournament and will play at home on March 7 against a to-be-determined opponent.
Millan, a three-time all-conference selection, is the first women’s player in America East history to twice be named both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. The fifth-year guard led the league in scoring (21.7 points per game, 17th in the nation), and ranked third in rebounding (7.4) and field-goal percentage (47.9). Millan was 14th nationally in steals per game (2.94), leading a Maine defense that ranks seventh in the nation (52.4 points per game).
Vachon is the fifth coach in America East women’s basketball history to be chosen as the top coach three or more times. She previously won the award in 2018 and 2019.
MEN’S HOCKEY
MAINE 6, CONNECTICUT 4: Brady Gaudette and Jack Quinlivan scored 25 seconds apart early in the second period to break a 2-2 tie, and the Black Bears (3-9-1) ended a five-game losing streak with a win over the Huskies (8-10-2) in Storrs, Connecticut.
AJ Drobot tallied a pair of goals, JD Greenway had a goal and an assist, and Ben Poisson also scored.
Marc Gatcomb recorded two goals for UConn.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
