HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's basketball fell in a tighly contested 66-60 matchup against Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponent Saint Joseph's College of Maine on Wednesday night. 

Saint Joseph jumped out to an early 5-3 lead, but a three from junior Xitlali Montesino (Watsonville, Calif.) sparked an 8-0 run behind a three-point play from senior Ajayah Lively (Victorville, Calif.) and layup from junior Nyah Belton (Colton, Calif.) to give the 'Grims an 11-5 advantage. Madison Lebel responded for the Monks to keep the game close, as the Pilgrims carried a slim 15-13 lead into the end of the opening quarter.  

Junior Jayden Estrada (La Mirada, Calif.) opened the second period with a three-pointer, but SJC quickly answered with a Logan Brown layup, sparking a 6-0 run that put the Monks back in front. Lively briefly reclaimed the lead for NEC, but Lebel converted a layup to swing the momentum back to the visitors. The Monks continued knock down shots, but a three from Estrada cut the deficit. Saint Joseph took a 31-29 lead into the half. 

The Monks knocked down two quick three-pointers to extend its lead early in the third, but Montesino set up Estrada for a key three to cut the Monks' lead to six. NEC continued to battle as threes from senior Macy Gordon (Boscawen, N.H.) and Montesino narrowed the gap to 40-39 with 6:18 remaining. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with Saint Joseph's holding a narrow 51-49 advantage heading into the final quarter. 

Junior Camryn Lewis (Taunton, Mass.) knocked down a jumper to open the final quarter of action, followed by a pair of free throws from Gordon that gave the Pilgrims a 53-51 lead with 8:17 remaining. SJC responded with a quick 7-0 run to regain control, but Lewis answered with a strong drive to the basket to trim the lead to one. The teams continued to trade the lead late in the quarter, but a free throw from Lebel and three from Hayden Moore sealed the 66-60 victory for the Monks.  

Montesino led the Pilgrims with 12 points and nine rebounds while Estrada added 11 points and one steal. Gordon chipped in 11 points, a block, and a team-high five assists. 

The Pilgrims will travel to New Haven, Connecticut, on Saturday to face GNAC opponent Albertus Magnus with tipoff scheduled 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.