HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College men's lacrosse team lost in the final minutes of regulation against visiting Vermont State University-Castleton in non-conference action on Wednesday evening at Don Melander Field in Henniker, New Hampshire. 

THE BASICS 
Score: VTSU-Castleton 12, New England College 10 
Records: Spartans 1-1, 0-0 LEC | Pilgrims 0-1, 0-0 GNAC 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• NEC, in its season opener, got things rolling throughout the majority of the first quarter where they scored the game's first five goals whereas the newcomer junior attacker Henri Pfeifle (Darien, Conn.) recorded a hat-trick within that scoring spree where he connected in the second, fourth, and fifth goal. 
• Staying in quarter number one, Castleton chipped in a quick goal by sophomore attacker Jordan Damske (Haverhill, Mass.). The 'Grims would finish off a very strong period of play with a slingshot goal from junior attacker Thomas Norton (Mansfield, Mass.) to put the team up 6-1. 
• Pfeifle opened up the second quarter with yet another goal of a play-action to put NEC up comfortably at 7-1 with little signs of slowing down. The Spartans switched out their net keeper to junior goaltender Zac Smith (Arlington, Mass.), and to much surprise, the change helped lead the visitors to a 5-0 run that would make the game become close with the home team having a slight edge of 7-6. 
• After that run that bled into the majority of the third quarter, senior midfielder Thomas Doe (Windham, N.H.) put it to a halt with 1:33 remaining in the period of play. The exhilarating force of Pfeifle opened the fourth quarter, 33 seconds in, to put the 'Grims up 9-6 with still plenty of time in regulation. 
• Castleton would make another small push, showing no signs of fatigue, where Damske and sophomore midfielder Carter Frankenhoff (Essex Junction, Vt.) put in a couple of goals to trim NEC's lead to one, 9-8. Who else but Pfeifle, as he contributed another goal to his dominating performance in a motion sequence to then put his team up two. 
• With less than 5:30 left to play in the game, the Spartans would go blazing by scoring four straight goals to eventually overcome the early deficit and take down the 'Grims on their home turf in their first game, 12-10. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• Smith for Castleton made a lasting impact on his team where he contributed six important saves that were much needed.  
• NEC's freshman goalkeeper Nate Finn (Norwood, Mass.) held his ground for the majority of his first game as a Pilgrim where he also racked up six saves on the evening 
• The Spartans outshot the 'Grims 40-30 in an eventual tight battle. 
• Castleton also edged NEC in the face off battle 13-11. 
• Frakenhoff was the offensive presence for the Spartans, tallying two goals, three assists, and two ground balls. 
• Despite the loss, Pfeifle was without a doubdt the most impacting 'Grim on the evening, earning a double hat-trick consisting of six goals, along with an assist, totaling 12 shots. 

UP NEXT 

• NEC is back on the field on Saturday, March 9th when they host the Mariners of Maine Maritime Academy at the Don Melander field with the game starting at 4:00 PM. 
• Castleton plays their next game on their home turf at the Dave Wolk Stadium against Pioneers of Utica University on Saturday, March 9th at 1:00 PM. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.