PLYMOUTH, N.H. The New England College women's volleyball team splits day one of the Granite State Challenge. After defeating Elmira College 3-1 in the first match, the Pilgrims drop a 3-1 decision to the host Plymouth State Friday evening at Plymouth State University.

THE BASICS
Score: New England College 3, Elmira College 1
Plymouth State University 3, New England College

Records:Pilgrims (2-3) | Golden Eagles (2-4) | Panthers (7-0)

HOW IT HAPPENED
GAME ONE NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE 3, ELMIRA COLLEGE 1
The Pilgrims were able to jump out fast, as NEC took the first seven points and the first 12 of 15 points of set one. Elmira went on a run later in the set and tied the set at 14 all. New England College rallied back, as they collected the next four points to go up 18-14. NEC finished off the set as they won seven of the next 12 points.

Elmira College took their first lead in the second set after the Pilgrims took the first point, the Soaring Eagles went up 3-1. That lead quickly disappeared, as New England College nine of the next 11 points. The two teams would trade points until NEC led 18-15 and went on a 7-2 run to close out the set.

The two teams would alternate the points in the beginning of the third set, before running off six consecutive points put Elmira up 15-8. New England College would quickly respond to get within one at 22-21. EC closed out the set with three straight points.

In set four, Elmira jumped out to an early 9-5 advantage, before the Pilgrims rattled off two runs to put them up 18-13. The Soaring Eagles eventually tied the set up at 22, but NEC was able to take three of the next four points to take the match, three games to one.

GAME TWO PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY 3, NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE 1
After Plymouth State took the first two sets, which were closely contested, New England College took the third set 25-19.

The fourth set was another closely contested match, but the Panthers were able to pull away down the stretch to take the set and the match.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
-Tihani Ehia set a season-high with 17 kills against Elmira College in game one.
-Between the two matches, Shirita Wimberley was all over the court. She finished the day with 18 kills, 26 digs, and five service aces.
- After winning the third set against Plymouth State, the Pilgrims win their first set against their New Hampshire rivals in three matches.

WHAT'S NEXT
The Pilgrims continue the Granite State Challenge tomorrow as they take on Sage College and Keene State College, starting at 2:00 pm.