SMCC women win Yankee Conference crown

The Southern Maine Community College women’s basketball team, seeded second, captured the Yankee Small College Conference championship last weekend in South Portland. After downing No. 3 University of Maine-Augusta, 71-64, behind 24 points and 12 rebounds from Christina Ricci, 19 points and 19 boards from Alisa Sweet and 12 points from Esther Palmieri, the Seawolves downed top-ranked Central Maine CC, 76-67, in the title game for their third title in four seasons. Ricci had 24 points, Jessica Truman 21 and Palmieri 10. Ricci was named the tournament’s MVP. Truman was selected the top offensive player. SMCC next heads to the national tournament in Uniontown, Penn.

“Over the past few weeks leading up to the tournament, the team came on strong,” said SMCC coach Becky Roak. “We were fortunate enough to be peaking at the right time. The ladies came together and played as a team which allowed us our success.”

The men weren’t as fortunate. As the No. 2 seed, the Seawolves were upset by No. 3 New Hampshire Technical Institute, 91-83, despite Josh Mackie’s 28 points. The men’s team will join the women at the national tournament, March 1-5.

SP coaching vacancies

South Portland High School is seeking a junior varsity girls’ soccer, a JV baseball and a JV softball coach. Mahoney Middle School needs an assistant indoor track coach. FMI, 767-7705.

Lacrosse officials sought

The Maine Lacrosse Officials Association is seeking new officials. Anyone interested should attend an overview and training sessions Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at North Yarmouth Academy’s Middle School. FMI, 650-7464 or mainelaxofficials.org.

Scarborough softball clinic

The Southern New Hampshire University softball coaching staff and players will be at the Wentworth Gym at Scarborough High Sunday from 12 to 2:30 p.m. for a free softball clinic for all Scarborough girls ages 6 to 13. There is a $15 fee for non-resident players. The event is sponsored by the Scarborough Little League. FMI, 885-0074 or griff5@maine.rr.com.

Beach to Beacon training group registration open

Registration for the Maine Running Company’s Beach to Beacon training group and the Maine Running Academy is open through March 10. Orientation will be held for beginners Tuesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. and for anyone who complete a 5K Thursday, March 10 at 6 p.m., at the Maine Running Company on Forest Avenue in Portland. FMI, 773-6601, michael@mainerunning.com or mainerunning.com.

Running program upcoming

The Nor’Easter run training and racing program, under the direction of Maine Running Hall of Famer and current Waynflete School track coach Brian “Ziggy” Gillespie begins in March and runs through Aug. 31. The program is open to male and female runners of any level of ability. Teams workouts are Wednesday evenings at World’s Gym, 265 Marginal Way, in Portland. FMI, happy2smiles2001@yahoo.com.