HENNIKER, N.H. – Plymouth State University played spoilers, as the New England College women's ice hockey team dropped their season opener 3-1, Friday evening.

The Pilgrims fall to 0-1-0 on the young season, while the Panthers pick up their first win of the season and move to 1-0-0.

SCORING

Period 1 00:10 | PSU Siri Brett (Chantelle Ross)

Period 1 14:40 | PSU Chantelle Ross (Siri Brett and Isabella Borbridge)

Period 3 10:01 | NEC Tatiana Fedeneva (Cassandra Kelly and Mikayla Vincent)

Period 3 13:31 | PSU Zoe Killisch (Sophie Streed and Kassidy Lyons)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Panthers came out hot to start the game as they were able to gain the puck off of the faceoff and head towards the net scoring a goal just ten seconds into the game. Things evened out from there with Plymouth State maintaining the majority of the pressure but the Pilgrims holding strong on defense. The Panthers were able to strike again with just over seven minutes to play in the period to take a 2-0 lead. New England College was able to kill off a late powerplay to keep the score at 2-0 heading into the second.

The second period featured multiple penalties from both teams giving each side powerplay opportunities. Despite the opportunities, neither team was able to capitalize leading to several successful penalty kills. Cianna Weir was able to make some big saves in the period to help keep the score at 2-0. With strong defense on both sides, the score held at 2-0 heading into the final frame of play.

Plymouth State started out the period on a powerplay but again the Pilgrims were able to kill the penalty and keep things at 2-0. Just about halfway through the period, New England College was able to get on the board off a goal from Tatiana Fedeneva assisted by Cassandra Kelly and Mikayla Vincent. Just a few minutes later the Panthers were able to score again to take a 3-1 lead. That lead would hold for the remainder of the game despite a strong push by the Pilgrims as Plymouth State took home a 3-1 win.

GOALTENDERS

Weir made 42 saves in the contest on 45 shots on goal while for the Panthers, Olivia Petito recorded 12 stops.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

- Neither team could connect on the power play, as Plymouth State was 0-for-4, while New England College went 0-for-2.

- Following tonight's contest, New England College still leads the all-time series 12-10-2.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Pilgrims hit the road as they head up to Plymouth for a rematch at 11:00 am tomorrow.