HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College Men's Lacrosse team could not complete the comeback as they fell short in their 2022 home opener against Emmanuel College, 11-8, in non-conference action, Wednesday afternoon.

THE BASICS
Score: Emmanuel College 11, New England College 8

Records: Pilgrims (1-2, 0-0 NECC) | Saints (1-0, 0-0 GNAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Emmanuel started fast, as they controlled play in the first quarter. The Saints opened up the scoring at the 10:40 marker, but their lead expanded to 4-0 by the end of the opening 15 minutes. New England College got on the board when Connor Smith had a diving goal at 7:37 of the second. The Pilgrims continued to chip away at the deficit, as Lucas Ferreira, Devon Saeger, and Smith found the back of the net for NEC. In the waning portion of the first half, Colin Dickenson put the Saint up 5-4.

In the third quarter, both teams scored, as Derek Delvecchio scored for Emmanuel, while Smith struck for the Pilgrims. The Saints carried a 6-5 lead into the fourth quarter, as Connor Smith tied the game for NEC in the opening minute, but Emmanuel was able to hold off the late charge by New England College to clinch an 11-8 score.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Connor Almstrom and Michael Catalano combined for 13 saves in the crease for NEC.
• Both sides fired 38 shots apiece, while the Pilgrims won 22-of-23 faceoffs.
• NEC won the ground ball battle, as they collected 38 compared to EC's 31.
• New England College leads the all-time series 2-1.

UP NEXT

• NEC vs. Alfred, Sparks, Md., Sunday, March 6, 6:00 pm
• Emmanuel at Wentworth, Friday, March 4, 4:00 pm