NEW LONDON, N.H. - The heavyweight matchup between the GNAC's top two teams lived up to the billing on Wednesday night with the New England College Pilgrims going on the road and handing Colby-Sawyer their first conference loss of the season.  

There were limited scoring chances and no goals in the first quarter as both teams held serve for the first 15 minutes of a game with large postseason ramifications. The Chargers' lone shot on goal was four minutes into the game, and the shot was denied by senior Martina Hill (Abbot, Maine) for a defensive save. 

Over five minutes into the second quarter, sophomore Kira Geddes (Bow, N.H.) broke the scoreless tie, driving around a trio of Colby-Sawyer defenders before taking a shot near the top of the arc and sending the ball past the stretched-out leg of Colby-Sawyer goalie Ashlee Blashock. 

Colby-Sawyer was given a penalty corner with under 30 seconds to go in the half, but NEC was able to prevent any damage from being done. Geddes' goal proved to be the difference maker in the first half as the 'Grims took a 1-0 lead into halftime.  

The Pilgrims kept up their intensity in the second half as they looked to expand upon their one goal advantage. NEC put four shots on goal in the third quarter, but Blashock denied them all as part of a seven-save night for the sophomore.  

With about two minutes left in the fourth quarter, senior Makenzie Anderson (Antrim, N.H.) made a key stop to put a Colby-Sawyer offensive threat to rest and keep the score at 1-0. But the 1-0 score wouldn't last long, as with 1:01 left in the game, Geddes would score her second goal of the game to give the 'Grims a 2-0 lead.  

The Chargers were granted a penalty corner within the final minute of the game but were unable to put any shots on goal. Anderson ended the game with three saves in a second straight shutout. The senior now ranks third in program history with 13 career shutouts.  

NEC takes a 5-0 conference record into their next game on Saturday at 11:00 AM as they host Elms College at the Don Melander Field. The matchup is a part of NEC's Fall Festival weekend and is also the team's senior day as they recognize and celebrate their graduating class of seniors! 

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