HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College men's lacrosse team concluded their 2023 season on Wednesday afternoon with a 17-9 loss to visiting Western Connecticut State University in the opening round of the NCAA tournament at Don Melander Field in Henniker, New Hampshire.
The game capped off a remarkable season for the Pilgrims, as NEC recovered from an 0-10 start, going 6-2 over their next eight games and claiming the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Championship and claiming the CSAC/NECC Alliance Championship. In light of their achievement, the 'Grims were awarded the privilege of hosting an NCAA Tournament game for the first time in school history.
THE BASICS
Score: West Conn 17, New England College 9
Records: Pilgrims 6-13 | Wolves 16-4
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Down 12-0 at halftime, the 'Grims showed the same grit and resolve they had displayed all season long, going on a 6-3 run capped off with a goal from senior midfielder Devon Saeger (Chester Springs, Penn.) with 10:54 left in the game. With 1:41 left in the game, NEC junior attacker Matt Daley (Plymouth, Mass.) pulled his team to within six with his first goal of the game, having assisted on four of the previous eight goals. But that was as close as they would come as the Wolves held on down the stretch.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- West Conn sophomore attacker Julian Duque (Mastic, N.Y.) led the Wolves with four goals and one assist.
- Saeger posted a hat trick with three goals on the day.
- West Conn senior attacker Benjamin Hawthorne (Manorville, N.Y.) record two goals and three assists.
- NEC sophomore attacker Thomas Norton (Mansfield, Mass.) concluded an outstanding season as the Pilgrims' leading scorer, finding the back of the net twice.
- NEC junior midfielder Thomas Doe (Windham, N.H.) posted a goal, a team-high six ground balls and a caused turnover.
UP NEXT
- Congratulations to the whole team on an outstanding season.
