HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College field hockey team fell at home to the Clark University Cougars 2-0 in non-conference action on Wednesday evening.  

The teams would battle early in the opening quarter, but the Cougars would score first to take an early 1-0 lead. The Pilgrims would get several penalty corners to take advantage of, but the Cougar defense remained tough to stall any offensive opportunities for the Pilgrims.  

The Pilgrims maintained their pressure, capitalizing on multiple penalty corners and challenging the defense with a series of shots on goal. Cougar goalkeeper Loren Root held tough, making several key saves to keep the visitors lead. The Cougars responded with offensive pressure of their own, but senior Makenzie Anderson (Antrim, N.H.) remained tough in net to stop scoring opportunities for the Cougars.  

The teams continued to battle late in the third quarter, with the Cougars taking advantage of a penalty stroke to extend their lead to 2-0. The Pilgrims continued to fight as they would take several penalty corners, but the Cougar defense denied any attempt.  

The Cougars would continue to stay on the attack late in the fourth quarter, earning multiple penalty corners, but Anderson made big saves to keep the Pilgrims within reach. Late penalties committed by the Cougars would provide the Pilgrims the opportunity to stay on the attack, but Root stood strong in goal to keep the visitors ahead. The Cougars would come away with the 2-0 victory at the final buzzer.  

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