STANDISH, ME- The #2 seeded Saint Joseph's College of Maine women's basketball team is set to compete for its third consecutive GNAC Championship as they host #4 University of Saint Joseph Saturday at 1:00 PM.

With a strong 21-6 overall record and an impressive 12-2 mark in conference play, the Monks earned their spot in the championship game after defeating #7 Emmanuel College 72-65 in the quarterfinals and securing a 67-60 victory over #3 Albertus Magnus in the semifinals.

The team is led by graduate student Angelica Hurley, who is averaging 15.6 points and a team-leading 7.0 rebounds per game, along with junior forward Grace Ramsdell, contributing 14.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Saint Joseph's College has been a dominant force on the boards this season, outrebounding opponents by an average of 8.7 boards per game, ranking 28th nationally. Additionally, the Monks are known for their potent three-point shooting, averaging 8.5 threes per game, which ranks 14th in the country.

One of the most successful programs in GNAC history, the Monks have already claimed six conference championships, including the last two titles. This marks their ninth consecutive appearance in the GNAC Championship game and their tenth in the past 11 seasons.

While the team did fall to USJ earlier this season in West Hartford (70-64), Saint Joseph's holds a commanding 14-3 lead in the all-time series. This matchup is a rematch of last year's championship, which the Monks won 85-72.

The Blue Jays are led by their trio of graduate students Jordan Ouellette (19.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and Taylor Verboven (15.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg), along with senior Maya Slisz (15.6 ppg, 4.8 apg). USJ is known for its efficient shooting, with a field goal percentage of 45.6%, ranking 9th nationally.

The Monks are primed and ready to defend their title and claim a third consecutive GNAC Championship on their home court this Saturday afternoon.