By: KJ Cardinal
PLYMOUTH, N.H. — New England College used a fast start and a balanced scoring effort to grab a solid road win on Thursday evening, defeating Plymouth State 73–65 at Foley Gym.
New England College (2–3, 0–0 Great Northeast) jumped out to a 20–7 lead in the first quarter and never trailed, stacking double-figure scoring from Jayden Estrada (12), Nyah Belton (10), Camryn Lewis (14), and Ajayah Lively (10). Lewis powered the Pilgrims inside with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Estrada added six assists and ran the offense with poise.
Plymouth State (5–1, 0–0 Little East) surged back behind a strong second-half push, highlighted by Ashley Stephens (13), Hailey Malozzi (12), Sophie George (12)—who hit four threes—and Elli Cox (10). Stephens went 6-for-8 at the line, and Malozzi added seven boards and three steals as the Panthers made a late run.
New England College’s depth proved to be the difference, producing 29 bench points and helping the Pilgrims win the rebounding margin 44–30. Lewis converted six free throws, and Lively delivered eight rebounds of her own as NEC held off PSU’s fourth-quarter charge.
New England College is back in action on Dec. 3 at Mount Holyoke, while Plymouth State returns to the hardwood on Nov. 25, traveling to Rivier for a non-conference matchup.
Check out the full photo gallery of the action by KJ Cardinal …
