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            HENNIKER, N.H. -- Sophomore Sam Hippern (Dover, N.H.) scored a pair of power-play goals as the New England College Pilgrims overcame a one-goal deficit to defeat the University of Southern Maine Huskies, 3-1, Friday in an ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) Women's East game at Clement Arena.

            The win improves the Pilgrims record to 2-3-0 overall and 2-1-0 in league play.  The Huskies, winless in their last three games (0-2-1), slide to 1-2-1 overall and in the league.

            Hippern potted a power-play goal, assisted by sophomores Alyssa Hoot (Waterville, Ohio) and Stephanie Spera (Stoughton, Mass.), at 1:00 of the second period to tie the game.  The Pilgrims out shot the Huskies, 15-3, in the remainder of the period, but could put a go-ahead goal past USM rookie goaltender Jordan Lee (Colorado Springs, Colo.).

            Midway through the final period, Hippern finally gave the Pilgrims the lead with another power-play marker, this time set up by Spera and junior Kaleigh Costello (Hudson, N.H.).  Sophomore Kate Kellar (Pittsfield, Mass.) added an insurance goal at 17:33.

            Southern Maine grabbed a 1-0 lead at 7:48 of the first period on a power-play goal by junior Katie Paradis (Rochester, N.H.).  Rookie Shannon Cronin (Wakefield, Mass.) and junior Lauren Whiting (Hampton, N.H.) got credit for the assists.  The Huskies had a 15-4 advantage in shots on goal, NEC junior goalie Teraysa White (Belgrade, Maine) held the fort.

            After being badly out shot in the first period, the Pilgrims turned up the offensive pressure and out shot the Huskies, 39-7, over the final two periods.  Lee finished the game with 40 saves while White registered 21 stops.  All four goals in the game came on the power play.

            Southern Maine continues on its weekend road trip to play Castleton State College on Saturday (3:00 p.m.) in Rutland, Vt.  NEC hosts in-state rival Plymouth State University on Saturday (1:00 p.m.).

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