HENNIKER, N.H. - After trailing 7-3, senior Mackenzie McDonald (Boscawen, N.H.) sparked the rally for the 'Grims with back-to-back goals, helping fuel the comeback and secure the team's fifth straight win. The victory improves the team's record to 5-0, marking the first time in program history the program has opened a season undefeated through its first five games.
Simmons controlled the possession of the ball in the first period with 5 shots on goal to NEC's one. The Sharks had two quick goals in the middle of the first, giving them a two-goal advantage heading into the second quarter.
After a good clear attempt by NEC, sophomore Riley Davis (Weare, N.H.) was able to find the goal by reaching around her defender and sneaking the ball past the goalie to tally a goal on the board for the 'Grims. Then just over a minute later, junior Carmela Goodwin (Lebanon, N.H.) tied the game on free position goal. Shortly after freshman, Tatum Villa (Framingham, Mass.) had two huge saves on free position shots. Junior Alexis Hornsby (Atkinson, N.H.) executed a goal that gave NEC their first lead of the game. The Sharks answered back with a goal of their own a minute and two seconds later. A shot wide by Simmons at the end of second would take the teams into half time tied at three.
Simmons came out hot in the third quarter with a goal by Emily Horn inside the first two minutes of the quarter. After that goal, Simmons scored two more quick goals, bringing the score 7-3. McDonald was able to win the next draw control, giving the 'Grims sometime offense. McDonald was able to change lanes and score her ninth of the season with just under five minutes left in the third.
NEC collected the energy from the third and transferred that into the fourth. After a good clear attempt, NEC was awarded a free position attempt, and McDonald executed perfectly whipping the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal. Brining the 'Grims within two. Freshman Camryn Coutts (Gilford, N.H.) was able to get in on the goal party scoring with help from Hornsby. Two minutes later, Hornsby was able to tie the game at seven, leading the Sharks to take a much-needed timeout.
Three more goals were scored in the next two minutes, two by senior Meadow Gilchrist (Stamford, Conn.) and one by Goodwin which was also a man up and free position shot. With just under three minutes Simmons was able to score their eighth of the day by Everett Garner. With just two and a half minutes left in the game, three more goals were added to the 'Grims's stat sheet by Hornsby, Gilchrist, and Davis. Bringing the final score to 13-8.
Both teams tallied 23 shots; Davis led with seven of her own. McDonald earned nine draw controls. Villa recorded seven saves with the win. The team looks to continue the success as they face non-conference University of Maine – Farmington at home under the lights on Wednesday March 18th at 7pm.
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