Newton, Mass. - The New England College Women's Basketball came up short to Lasell Saturday afternoon in their opening game of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play.
The first started with junior Bailey Burke (New Bedford, Mass.) making a three and jump shot for the 'Grims, with the Lasers controlling the first with a lead of eight until senior Ajayah Lively (Victorville, Calif.) could cut into the scoreboard with four points herself. The Lasers would lead the game at the end of the first 19-10.
Lasell controlled possession in the second and limited NEC to four points in the second quarter. At the half, the Lasers led 36-14.
Starting the third quarter, Lasell extended their lead by 23 points, to start the second half comeback for the 'Grims junior Jayden Estrada (La Mirada, Calif.) made a three-pointer followed by one from senior Macy Gordon (Boscawen, N.H.). Lasell answered back with a free-throw and layup. With two minutes left NEC went on an 8-0 run started by sophomore Kaira Creary (Federal Way, Wash.) who was good for three. NEC outscored the Lasers 16-10 in the third quarter and down 16.
Estrada got the scoring started for the fourth quarter comeback. Followed by a layup from junior Camryn Lewis (Taunton, Mass.) A defensive rebound from Lively was able to advance the ball to send junior Xitlali Montesino (Watsonville, Calif.) to the line for good free throws. On the other end of the court Laura Johnson missed a layup by a block from Montesino leading to a fastbreak from Creary who went to the arc to cut the lead to seven. The last quarter momentum would not be enough for the 'Grims in the end who lost for the first time since November 18, 2025.
Team leaders were Gordon and Estrada each for nine points, and Lewis led with 13 rebounds.
NEC is looking to get back in action against Saint Joseph's College of Maine in Bridges Gym on Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
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