HENNIKER, N.H. - Junior Camryn Lewis (Taunton, Mass.) recorded her 13th double-double of the season to lead the New England College women's basketball team to a key 59-49 conference victory over Norwich University on Wednesday night. With the win, the Pilgrims move to 5-5 in conference play, while the Cadets drop to 6-3.  

Both teams traded baskets early in a tightly contested opening frame. Norwich used an 8-0 run to build a 15-8 advantage late in the quarter, but Lewis and senior Ajayah Lively (Victorville, Calif.) answered with back-to-back layups to spark a 6-0 run, trimming the lead to 15-14 with just over a minute to play. After a three-point play by Norwich's Jade Garceau, Lewis knocked down two free throws in the closing seconds as NEC trailed 18-16 at the end of the quarter. 

Lively opened the quarter with four quick points to give the Pilgrims their first lead since the opening minutes. Senior Macy Gordon (Boscawen, N.H.) buried a pair of three-pointers and senior Mackenzie McDonald (Boscawen, N.H.) added a jumper to push the 'Grims ahead 28-21 with just under five minutes remaining. NEC closed the half on a 9-2 run, taking a 34-23 lead into the break after outscoring the Cadets 18-5 in the quarter. 

Lewis opened the second half with a layup off a feed from junior Jayden Estrada (La Mirada, Calif.). After a brief scoring lull, Gordon's free throws push the lead back to double digits. Norwich responded with a 6-0 run, fueled by Jessie Zimmerman, to cut the margin to single digits. McDonald answered at the line to restore a double-digit cushion, and a late basket by Cassidy Kittredge cut NEC's lead to 40-31 heading into the fourth. 

Estrada converted three free throws early in the final quarter, sparking an 8-0 'Grims run to extend the home team's lead. The Cadets made a late push behind Kittredge, who scored nine fourth-quarter points to help trim the lead to 51-46 with 3:13 to play. The Pilgrims capitalized on fouls committed by the Cadets to seal the 59-49 victory. 

Lewis led the way with a team-high 14 points and 16 rebounds, adding an assist and a steal. McDonald finished with 11 points and a block, while Lively tallied 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Estrada recorded a team-high eight assists to go along with eight points and four rebounds. 

The Pilgrims return to action Saturday when they host intrastate foe Rivier University at Bridge Gym 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.