HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's ice hockey team closed out its weekend series against powerhouse No.6 Norwich University on Saturday, coming up short in an 11-0 loss. 

The Cadets struck early in the opening period, as Geena Cookinham found the back of the net at the 1:23 mark to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The Pilgrims answered with a series of chances from junior Alexis Hornsby (Atkinson, N.H.) and sophomore Jamie Blondin (Oakville, Ont.), but Norwich goaltender Payton Sutherland stood tall in net. Norwich continued to apply pressure, peppering sophomore goaltender Kayden Lallier Whissell (Stevensville, Ont.) with shots that were turned aside. The Cadets doubled their advantage near the midway point of the period when Tristina Doyle scored. Four minutes later, Dani Ammons added another goal to extend the Norwich lead to 3-0 heading into the first intermission. Lallier Whissell was busy in the opening frame, stopping 20 of 23 shots on goal. 

Freshman Carol Lenig (El Paso, Tex.) and Hornsby generated early chances to open the second period, but Sutherland denied both attempts. The Cadets then took advantage of a 'Grims penalty, finding the back of the net at the 8:20 mark for their fourth goal of the game, and continued to apply pressure with shots that were stopped by Lallier Whissell. The visitors made a goalie change halfway through the period, and junior Samantha Babbitt (Weathersfield, Vt.) tested the new goaltender, Dana Rigan, who stopped the shot. Norwich, however, never let up, continuing its offensive onslaught with three more goals to take a commanding 7-0 lead into the second intermission. 

Babbitt and Blondin each generated shots on an NEC power-play opportunity to open the final period, but the Cadets' defense stood firm to deny both chances. Norwich continued to pressure the 'Grims defense throughout the period, adding four more goals to secure the 11-0 victory. 

Lallier Whissell finished the afternoon with 35 saves while junior Lucy Armour (Falmouth, Mass.) stopped 22 shots in relief of Lallier Whissell in the third period. 

The Pilgrims hit the road for their next two conference contests, beginning with an in-state showdown at Plymouth State on Friday, February 6th, with puck drop set for 6:00 PM. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.