HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College women's ice hockey team drops their home opener against the MCLA Trailblazers 3-2 on Saturday at Lee Clement Arena in Henniker, New Hampshire.
 
THE BASICS
Score:        MCLA 3, New England College 2
Records: Trailblazers 2-0-0, 0-0-0 MASCAC | Pilgrims 0-2-0, 0-0-0 NEHC
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The first period was a back-and-forth defensive clash all the way up until the final minute of play was remaining. MCLA sophomore defender Carlen Bertrand (Timmins, Ont.) came flying up the right side of the ice taking a shot that bounced off the NEC goaltender back into play for her to score off the second shot attempt recording the lone goal of the period with 52 seconds remaining.
• It didn't take the 'Grims much time to retaliate back with goal of their coming at 17:16 off a powerful slap shot by the likes of junior forward Olivia Lindberg (Stockholm, Sweden) assisted by sophomore forward Samantha Babbitt (Weathersfield, Vt.) and junior forward Meadow Gilchrist (Stamford, Conn.).
• As the 'Grims found themselves back in the mix of things the Trailblazers would strike back almost instantly as they managed to score just 23 seconds later as senior forward Alexandrea Bednar (Vita, M.B.) to claim the lead once again.
• Things didn't cease there for MCLA as later on in the period the team was bestowed a power play opportunity at fault of NEC that they made the most of. MCLA Bertrand took a shot just below the defensive zone lines that made it into the back of the net with Bednar dishing her the puck for the 3-1 lead.
• NEC didn't waver after the two-goal deficit that transpired. NEC freshman defender Greta Grant (Brownfield, Maine) blasted a shot that was deflected off the MCLA goaltender's pads leaving a perfect opportunity for freshman forward Cordelia Hauck (Hugo, Minn.) to come up on the rebound to score the second NEC goal.
• Down the stretch of the third period of action NEC decided to go all out in the last 4:30 remaining pulling the goaltender on two different occasions resulting in 14 shots taken with none of them finding the back of the net concluding in a 3-2 loss for the 'Grims.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Freshman goaltender Kayden Lallier-Whissell (Stevensville, Ontario) of the 'Grims recorded 17 saves enduring her first loss of the season.
• MCLA junior goaltender Juliette Barney (Braintree, Mass.) gathered 34 saves.
• Shots on goal were in favor of the 'Grims 36-20.
• MCLA Bertrand was the star of the game having two goals followed up by Bednar who had a goal and an assist.
• NEC Hauck and Lindberg compiled a goal each respectively solidifying their first of the season thus far.

 
UP NEXT

• NEC is back on the ice on the of Lee Clement Arena on Tuesday, November 5^th at 7:00 PM when they take on the Panthers of Plymouth State University.
• MCLA plays their next game at Hilbert College from the Northtown Center at 8:10 PM on Saturday, November 9^th.

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