The win is the second straight for the Huskies who improve to 7-12 overall.  The win is the first for Southern Maine over New England College since the 2002 season when the Huskies won 2-1 on September 17 in Gorham.  Since the 2002 season, New England College had won seven straight over the Huskies.  Suffering their second straight defeat, the Pilgrims fall to 10-9 overall.

            New England College led early in the contest following an unassisted goal in the 10th from senior midfielder Samantha Escobar (Rumney, N.H./Newfound).  Escobar notched her 19th goal of the season after beating two USM defenders and rocketing in a shot to the upper left corner of the goal. 

            The score stood at 1-0 in favor of the Pilgrims through the half before Southern Maine was awarded a penalty shot in the 41st minute after an infraction in the circle.  USM junior forward Sharaya Linscott (Portland, Maine/Deering) converted the penalty shot for the Huskies to even the score at 1-1.

            Both teams battled back and forth over the next 20 minutes before Masessa's long hit after a foul connected with Campbell for the game-winner.    

            New England College junior goalkeeper Jesse KilCullen (North Salem, N.Y.) made 11 saves in the loss.  USM freshman Emily Downing (Sanford, Maine) earned the win in goal for the Huskies making one save in the final 35 minutes of action.  Downing entered the game in the second half to relieve senior Rachel Lolley (Gorham, Maine).  Lolley allowed one goal and made four saves.

            Southern Maine held a 16-10 advantage in shots, including a 9-4 mark in the second half.  The Huskies held an advantage in penalty corners, 7-1. 

            Southern Maine hosts Little East Conference opponent Fitchburg State College in its regular season finale on Saturday (1:00 p.m.).  New England College begins play in the Commonwealth Coast Conference tournament on Wednesday (5:00 p.m.) at home against an opponent to be determined. 

- cac –