HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's basketball team earned its fourth conference win of the season on Tuesday night, cruising to an 81-66 victory over Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponent Elms College. With the win, the 'Grims improved to 4-4 in conference play and 13-7 overall. 

Both teams struggled to find a rhythm early, but the Blazers jumped out to a 6-1 lead. Layups from senior Ajayah Lively (Victorville, Calif.) and junior Nyah Belton (Colton, Calif.) sparked an 11-0 NEC run, giving the Pilgrims a 12-6 advantage with 2:59 remaining. Mary Turco ended Elms' scoring drought with a driving layup, trimming the deficit to four. Three-pointers from junior Jayden Estrada (La Mirada, Calif.) and senior Macy Gordon (Boscawen, N.H.) helped the 'Grims pull ahead 21-10 at the end of the quarter. 

Tattiana Pereira opened the scoring for the Blazers with four quick points to cut the lead to seven, but Lively answered with a jumper on the other end. The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the quarter, with the Blazers keeping the Pilgrims' lead to single digits. NEC carried a 36-28 lead into halftime. 

Elms continued to battle after the break, knocking down key shots to reclaim the lead, 39-38, with 6:55 remaining. Lively scored eight points late in the quarter to swing the momentum back in NEC's favor, and a three from junior Jade Lovato (Albuquerque, N.M.) extended the Pilgrims' lead back to double digits. Gabby Wasiewicz connected from beyond the arc with 28 seconds left, but the 'Grims entered the final quarter ahead 62-50. 

Sophomore Kaira Creary (Federal Way, Wash.) scored five points early in the fourth to push the Pilgrims' lead to 15. Elms continued to chip away, but a three from Creary and a jumper from senior Mackenzie McDonald (Boscawen, N.H.) sealed the victory as the 'Grims secured the 81-66 win. 

Five Pilgrims scored in double figures, led by Creary with 15 points to go along with five rebounds and two assists. Lively added 14 points and a rebound while Estrada finished with 13 points and a team-high nine assists. Junior Camryn Lewis (Taunton, Mass.) recorded her 11th double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Gordon rounded out the scoring with 10 points and one assist. 

The 'Grims hit the road on Saturday, traveling to Weston, Massachusetts, to face Regis College with tipoff scheduled for 3:00 PM. 

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