PAXTON, MASS. - The New England College women's basketball team earned its seventh consecutive victory Saturday afternoon, defeating Anna Maria College, 72-66. With today's win, the Pilgrims improve to 8-3 on the season. 

The teams traded baskets early, as senior Ajayah Lively (Victorville, Calif.) knocked down a jumper before fellow senior Mackenzie McDonald (Boscawen, N.H.) converted a layup to give NEC an 11-6 lead with 4:19 remaining. Anna Maria continued to battle, trimming the lead, but the Pilgrims maintained control and closed the quarter ahead, 19-10.  

Senior Macy Gordon (Boscawen, N.H.) opened the quarter with a three-pointer to push the 'Grims lead into double figures. Junior Camryn Lewis (Taunton, Mass.) followed with a strong drive to the basket, extending the lead to 28-13. The AMCATS responded with an 8-2 run over the final three minutes to cut the lead to single digits, as the Pilgrims carried a 30-21 advantage into halftime. 

The AMCATS opened the second half with a pair of free throws, but Lively answered with a jumper and a converted free throw after drawing a foul to restore a double-digit lead. Junior Nyah Belton (Colton, Calif.) added a jumper, and junior Bailey Burke (New Bedford, Mass.) drained a three to make it 38-25. Anna Maria responded with a 9-0 run to cut the lead to 38-34 with 4:39 remaining. Junior Xitlali Montesino (Watsonville, Calif.) halted the run with a layup, as the teams continued to trade baskets late in the quarter. Junior Jayden Estrada (La Mirada, Calif.) knocked down a pair of free throws late, as the Pilgrims led 47-39 at the end of the third quarter. 

The final quarter featured a back-and-forth battle as Meaghan Doyle pulled Anna Maria within four by knocking down back-to-back three-pointers. Arianna Gonzalez trimmed NEC's lead to one by making a pair of free throws. The teams continued to battle, each unable to take the lead, but layups from Belton and Lewis pushed the 'Grims head, 61-56 with 3:11 remaining. The AMCATS continued to apply pressure, but Lewis scored consecutive layups late to extend the Pilgrims lead to 66-61. The 'Grims seal the win at the free throw line, highlighted by two made foul shots from Estrada, securing the 72-66 victory. 

Four Pilgrims scored in double figures, led by Lewis who recorded her sixth double-double of the season with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Lively added 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while McDonald chipped in 11 points and six rebounds. Belton rounded out the scoring with 10 points, seven rebounds, and a block. 

The Pilgrims return to action after the New Year, hosting Fitchburg State on January 3rd in a non-conference matchup at Bridges Gymnasium with tipoff set for 1:00 PM.  
For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.