HENNIKER, N.H. – New England College women's lacrosse would fall just short losing to the visiting Regis College Pride 9-8 Saturday afternoon. With the win the Pride improve to 1-0 on the season, while the loss drops the Pilgrims to 0-2 overall.

NEC was led by Gabriella Bigos (Branford, Conn.) and Kasondra Moniz (East Providence, R.I.) who each scored two goals and dished out an assist. Allison Granata (Norwalk, Conn.) scored twice for the Pilgrims and picked up a game-high nine ground balls and caused four turnovers.

Leading the way for Regis was Mary Roma (Portland, Maine) who finished with three goals and Taylor Assarian (Arlington, Mass.) who netted two goals and had an assist. Goalie Emma Decker (Southborough, Mass.) was a force on defense causing four Pilgrims turnovers.

The Pilgrims would strike first nine minutes into the game as Kasondra Moniz would net a goal assisted by Gabriella Bigos. The lead would be short lived as Regis' Mary Roma would record the first Pride goal of the season just 30 seconds later. The Pride would lead 5-2 heading into the final six minutes of the half but the Pilgrims would battle back netting two goals in the final 1:37 to head into halftime down just 5-4.

Regis would extend the lead to 8-5 midway through the second half of play but again NEC would storm back scoring three of the final four goals of the contest. The Pilgrims would have a scoring opportunity in the final seconds but the Pride defense would cause a turnover and hold on for the 9-8 victory.

Regis outshot NEC 21-15 on the afternoon, while the Pilgrims picked up 28 ground balls compared to the Pride who scooped up 16. NEC finished the game 16-of-22 in clear attempts, while Regis was 17-of-27.

In goal for NEC was Mackenzie Meegan (Phoenix, Ariz.) who finished the game with seven saves. Decker picked up the win in net for Regis recorded five total saves.

New England College will return to action on Tuesday, March 8 when they host Simmons College. Regis College will hit the field again on Saturday, March 12 when they travel to Mount Ida College.

Release Courtesy of New England College Sports Information