NORTHFIELD, VT. - The New England College women's lacrosse team dropped a narrow 16-15 decision on the road to Norwich University in conference action Tuesday night. 

Norwich struck first in the opening frame, but sophomore Riley Davis (Weare, N.H.) responded quickly to put the 'Grims on the board. The teams traded momentum late in the quarter before the Cadets netted back-to-back goals to build a 3-1 advantage. Senior Mackenzie McDonald (Boscawen, N.H.) then found Davis to pull within one, and senior Meadow Gilchrist (Stamford, Conn.) followed with a goal to even the score. Norwich regained control by converting on two man-up opportunities, pushing their lead back to two goals. Davis answered again in the final minutes, cutting the deficit to one, but the Cadets held on down the stretch. 

Norwich controlled the game early in the second quarter, surging ahead to a four-goal advantage. McDonald then sparked a key four-goal run for the Pilgrims, scoring three times, while Gilchrist added another to even the game at 8-8 with 7:16 left. Caitlin Slider briefly put the Cadets back in front, but Davis answered moments later, sending the teams into the half locked in a 9-9 tie. 

Colby Magoon and Caitlyn Fielder each scored to give Norwich a two-goal cushion, but Gilchrist answered to cut the lead. Moments later, Gilchrist struck again to even the score, before the Cadets responded with a pair of quick goals to regain the lead. Freshman Camryn Coutts (Gilford, N.H.) delivered a timely finish late in the quarter, pulling the 'Grims within one heading into the final frame. 

The Cadets opened the final quarter with two quick strikes to extend their lead to three, but Gilchrist answered minutes later to pull the 'Grims within two. Norwich added a late goal to restore a three-goal cushion, but NEC rallied late behind goals from Davis and junior Carmela Goodwin (Lebanon, N.H.) to trim the deficit to one with four minutes remaining. The Cadets continued to apply pressure down the stretch, but freshman goalkeeper Tatum Villa (Framingham, Mass.) came up with key saves for the 'Grims. The Norwich defense held tough in the closing moments to secure a 16-15 victory. 

Gilchrist and Davis led the offense with five goals apiece, while McDonald chipped in three goals and a game-high five assists for an eight-point performance. Sophomore Jamie Blondin (Oakville, Ont.) recorded a game-high 10 draw controls, while Coutts recorded three caused turnovers and two ground balls. Villa finished the evening with nine saves, two ground balls, and one caused turnover. 

The Pilgrims return home on Saturday to host the Albertus Magnus College Falcons at 4:00 PM on Don Melander Field. The team will also recognize its graduating seniors before the start of the game. 

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