HENNIKER, N.H. - New England College sophomore Jaylen Marsh (Methuen, Mass.) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Defensive Player of the Week for the week ending on September 14th. 

Marsh has started all five games this season on the back line for the Pilgrims, and the recognition is well-earned for the NEC defense as they have only given up five goals, three if not including penalty strokes, so far this season.  

On Saturday, Marsh' defensive impact played a key role in an important GNAC matchup against Rivier. After the two teams traded first quarter goals, the game remained tied 1-1 deep into the second quarter. In the waning seconds of the first half, the Raiders threatened to score, with the NEC goalkeeper being pulled out from net to stop the initial attack. While the first shot was kicked away, the rebound was sent past the goalie but sent away by Marsh who was acting as the last line of defense. 

The defensive save was the first of Marsh's career and sent a 1-1 game into halftime with the 'Grims ultimately taking control in the second half to secure their second conference win of the season. 

Marsh and the Pilgrims are back in action on Wednesday for a non-conference bout in Wenham, Massachusetts against the Gordon Fighting Scots. The return home on Saturday to host Regis College in another GNAC battle. 

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