Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine women's basketball team had made four consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament going into the 1998-99 season. But the graduation of all-time great Cindy Blodgett and fellow starters Sandi Carver and Klara Danes left many doubting whether the streak would continue.
Expectations nonetheless remained high for coach Joanne Palombo McCallie and her players, who were determined to keep the program's momentum going.
"People didn't really give us a chance. They didn't really think we were going to do anything," said Augusta native Amy Vachon, a junior on the squad, who is now UMaine's head coach.
"We just really wanted to win and really wanted to prove to ourselves," Vachon said.
What ensued was UMaine women's basketball history.
Spearheaded by All-America post player Jamie Cassidy and consummate point guard Vachon, the Black Bears not only maintained their place as an America East power but achieved something no other team had done previously, or has done since -- win an NCAA Tournament game.
On March 12, 1999, Martina Tinklova made two free throws with 16.7 seconds remaining to give 10th-seeded UMaine a 60-58 victory over No. 7 seed Stanford in a first-round game in Norfolk, Va.
It was the defining moment for a memorable team that followed in the footsteps of its predecessors and set the standard for future squads.
"It goes to the commitment, the thoroughness of it," McCallie said. "The goals never changed: Pursue championships, every championship.
"This team had the highest values that were laced within the program and it got something incredibly special done," McCallie said.
UMaine, which bounced back after a 57-55 loss to Northeastern in the conference championship game, finally had its season ended with a 62-52 second-round loss to host Old Dominion.
The team's success was built around its experience, hard work and teamwork.
"Everybody was a part of it, but this group finished it and they deserve it [hall of fame recognition]," McCallie said.
Cassidy, a dominating 6-foot-4 junior, was named a Kodak District I All-American and the America East Player of the Year after averaging 23.8 points to rank fifth in the country. She also provided 8.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocked shots. Her 738 points rank third all time at UMaine.
McCormick, a junior, posted 11.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range. She owns UMaine's career distance shooting record at 40 percent.
Vachon ran the offense with poise, racking up a school-record 234 assists on the way to her program-best in her career. She averaged 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals.
Tinklova, a 6-4 sophomore (10.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg) was the perfect inside complement to Cassidy while a two instate seniors, guard-forward Kelly Bowman of Newport (6.5 ppg) and power forward Andrea Clark of Starks (3.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg), also played key roles.
Sophomore guard Kizzy Lopez (5.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg) was another part-time starter while senior forward Katie Clark of Bangor (3.9 ppg) provided experience off the bench.
"It was a beautiful team with beautiful chemistry," McCallie said.
Other contributors were freshman center Eva Moldre, freshman guards Tracy Guerrette of St. Agatha and Lacey Stone, sophomore guard Chantal Macream and freshman forward Andrea Pardilla of Old Town.
"It was a team where no one really cared who got the credit," Vachon said.
The 2021 UMaine Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet will take place on Friday, Sept. 17 at Jeff's Catering in Brewer, Maine from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a social hour and hors d'oeuvres followed by a buffet meal and the official induction presentations of all of the inductees. This special event will be by reservation only, with limited space available. Tickets for the event are available for $50. To purchase your ticket to the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, please visit GoBlackBears.com/tickets. If you prefer to mail your payment, please contact banquet Co-Chairs Cherie Damon (207.949.4745 / cdicemom2@aol.com) or Sue Pate (207.249.9245 / suepate@roadrunner.com). Friday evening's induction banquet will be streamed for free here.
