HENNIKER, N.H. - New England College hosted an in-state rival the Raiders of Rivier on Saturday afternoon where they were led by junior Camryn Lewis (Taunton, Mass.) with 15 points and eight rebounds.  

The Raiders jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead on the 'Grims in the first quarter, with no opportunity falling into the hoop. Senior Macy Gordon (Boscawen, N.H.) was able to secure some points for the team with a deep three, but the Raiders capitalized on their quick lead in the beginning to take a commanding lead of 15-8 at the end of the first.  

NEC started the second with back-to-back layups by senior Mackenzie McDonald (Boscawen, N.H.) to bring them within three of the lead, but the Raiders ansered back with six points. Both teams had difficulty finding the hoop in the second quarter, but NEC was able to outscore Rivier by one point; Lewis was able to score in the last 30 seconds of the quarter bringing the score 25-19 into the half.  

Gordon started the turnaround in the third quarter with a quick layup, from an assist by Lewis. Rivier answered back with four points, from a layup and jump shot to only lead by eight. Then with just under six and a half minutes left McDonald was able to break through with three of her own, and the comeback was started. Lewis added four more points to only be down by one point with four minutes left in the third. Then an assist from sophomore Amanda Davila (West Palm Beach, Fla.) was able to find McDonald in the paint to take the lead for the first time in the game. To round out the quarter, the 'Grims went on a 7-2, keeping the Raiders to only six points.  

Juju Nealy found the hoop for the Raiders to start the final period, but it would not be enough to start anything for the team. As a foul by Erika Fantauzzi sent senior Ajayah Lively (Victorville, Calif.) to the line for a pair of free-throws. NEC applied heavy pressure throughout the quarter, causing three turnovers and keeping them to 11 points. Lively was successful on two layups at the end to secure the win 53-42 for the Pilgrims and bring them over .500 in conference play.  

The team travels south on Tuesday to compete in their final GNAC game of the season against the Blue Jays of University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) in West Hartford, Conn. At 5:00 P.M.  

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