Statistics
Highlights

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- New England College extended its two-goal halftime lead with five unanswered in the 3rd period and defeated the University of New England, 11-5, in men's lacrosse action on Thursday afternoon (Mar. 29) at the Big Blue Turf.

William Platt backstopped the fifth straight win for the Pilgrims (5-4) with 18 saves, including nine during the initial frame.

NEC received a team-high four points from Patrick Storie, whose two goals were matched by both Reilly Parker and Zack Cotoni. Matt Richard had one goal and mirrored Storie's two assists. Connor Fries helped the defensive effort with seven caused turnovers and eight ground balls.

Scoring for the Nor'easters (4-4) was Jason Erwin, Collin Morrow, Garett Bozek, and Zach Bossi, while Alex Zadworny dished out three assists. Matt Layton won 12-of-17 face-offs and collected seven ground balls; Adam Race picked up six more and had four caused turnovers. In goal, Sam MacKenzie totaled six stops.

Platt denied the first nine shots he faced before the hosts tied the score at 1-1 with 45 seconds left in the 1st stanza. UNE grabbed a 2-1 cushion through 15 minutes with an own goal just 25 ticks later.

The Pilgrims, who were out-shot 45-32 in the contest, responded with three straight in the 2nd to go up 4-2, and settled on a 5-3 edge at the midway break. NEC held the Nor'easters scoreless for more than 31 minutes until the waning moments of the match.

UNE opens up its Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) slate on Saturday (4 p.m.) when Western New England University comes into town.