USMMA Claims Win Over Rival Coast Guard

KINGS POINT, N.Y. - The United States Merchant Marine Academy women’s basketball team defeated the United States Coast Guard Academy 67-63. The Mariners improve to 7-9 on the year while the Bears fall to 4-10. With the victory, USMMA takes a 6-3 lead in the race for the Superintendents Trophy.

The Mariners were in control from the beginning and took their biggest lead of the first half on a layup from freshman Tamara Kaileh (Kings Park, NY), 19-12. Coast Guard would fight back and get the lead down to four at the break as they went 14-16 from the free-throw line compared to the Mariner’s 3-4. USMMA was led in the first half by junior Rebecca Grimes (Fairfax, VA) who had 13 points and four rebounds. Senior Melissa Martinelli (Vero Beach, FL) kept the Bears close with 19 points and 11 rebounds in the half.

In the second half, it was Grimes and Martinelli still leading the way for both teams each scoring 12. Junior Brooke Picillo (Fort Wayne, IN) had a steady half with seven points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals despite being in foul trouble. Her two free-throws with 11 seconds remaining sealed the victory for USMMA.

Grimes led the Mariners with 25 points, six rebounds and three assists. Picillo added 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals while junior Janay Weathers (Fredericksburg, VA) added ten points, eight rebounds, three steals and two rebounds. The Bears were led by Martinelli with 31 points, 15 rebounds and two assists while junior Jessica Anderson (Schoolcraft, MI) added nine points and two rebounds.

The Mariners return to action on Friday, January 29th when they travel to the University of Scranton. Tip-off is set for 5:30pm.

Story provided by USMMA Sports Information