HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College field hockey team picked up a non-conference win at home against the Panthers of Plymouth State on Tuesday night.
The two teams remained scoreless through the first period, with NEC holding a 6-4 advantage in shots. The Panthers came close to striking first after eight and a half minutes when, following a penalty corner, Jasmine Peterson fired back-to-back shots, both of which were saved by senior Annie Raduazzo (Amherst, N.H.).
It took just two minutes and 50 seconds for the Pilgrims to take the lead in the second period. Senior Adelaide Kelly (Rockport, Maine) intercepted a pass in the air and dribbled the ball down the right side of the field before finding senior Kylee Henriquez (Methuen, Mass.) in front of the goal. Henriquez fired the ball past the Panthers' goalkeeper to give NEC a 1-0 lead and score her fourth goal of the season.
Just 2:20 into the third period, the Pilgrims added to their lead. Junior Kennedy Overhoff (Whitefield, N.H.) sent a backhanded pass to freshman Molly Goodwin (Guilford, Maine), who was positioned in front of the goal and found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
With under four minutes remaining in the third period, Plymouth State cut the NEC lead in half after Sarah Adamske scored on a 3-on-2 breakaway.
The Pilgrims answered less than a minute later. Sophomore Mary Kelley (Cumberland, R.I.) set up the play on a penalty corner, finding senior Kameryn Mazzulli (Waterford, Conn.), who scored her first goal of the season to put NEC back up by two, 3-1.
The Panthers continued to pressure in the final period, outshooting the Pilgrims 7-3. Plymouth State added its second goal with under six minutes remaining, but NEC held on for the 3-2 victory.
Raduazzo finished with eight saves to earn her fourth win of the season.
The Pilgrims return to the road this weekend when they travel to Saint Joseph's College of Maine on Saturday, October 10, with the game set to begin at 11 a.m.
For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
