Lewiston, Maine - The Bates women's basketball program continues to ride the success of its historic 2021-22 campaign as head coach Alison Montgomery and her squad received the distinct honor of a Mayoral proclamation during the Lewiston City Council meeting last Tuesday.

Mayor Carl Sheline and the six members of the Lewiston City Council welcomed the reigning New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) champions to City Hall for the ceremony, which included a reading of the proclamation by Mayor Sheline, and a photo opportunity with the entire City Council. (CLICK HERE to read the official proclamation).

"Our program was humbled to be recognized by Mayor Sheline and the City of Lewiston for all our team accomplished last season," Montgomery said. "All of the women in our program take seriously the responsibility to not only represent Bates, but the greater Lewiston community, so earning the recognition at the City Council meeting was very rewarding for all of us. We are looking forward to building more connections with the members of the Lewiston community, and are excited to welcome fans to Alumni Gym this season!"

Guided by Montgomery, a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year finalist, Bates enjoyed a magical season in 2021-22 as the Bobcats posted an 18-8 record while securing the first NESCAC tournament championship in program history.

The squad not only advanced to the NCAA Division III championship tournament for the first time since 2005-06, but also earned a thrilling first round victory by downing Roger Williams University in overtime.

Coach Montgomery led the Bobcats to a .692 winning percentage, their best since 2004-05. Team captain, Meghan Graff (Sr.-South Portland, Maine), was named the NESCAC Player of the Year and a D3hoops.com Second Team All-American after averaging 16.2 points per game a year ago.

"It was a special experience for our program to be recognized by Mayor Sheline," said Graff.  "We feel lucky to be a part of a community that supports our program with such enthusiasm. Thank you, Mayor Sheline!"

The Bobcats open the 2022-23 campaign on Saturday, November 12 with a 4:00 p.m. home game vs. Tufts University.

WATCH the video of the official presentation of the Mayoral proclamation (start at 1:08:31).