HENNIKER, N.H. -- Nicholas George netted a pair of scores to lift Maine Maritime to a 2-1 win over New England College in a North Atlantic Conference men's soccer match Saturday. Both teams entered the game tied for the top spot in the NAC. The Mariners finished the regular season at 7-1-1 NAC, 10-4-2 overall, while the Pilgrims dropped to 6-2-1, 10-6-2.

Maine Maritime currently is in first place in the conference but second place Castleton (6-1-1) plays Maine-Farmington Sunday. The Spartans dealt the Mariners their only conference setback this season.

Robert Lucas gave the Pilgrims a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute when he converted a free kick.

The Mariners best scoring opportunity of the first half came in the 37th minute of play when Gabriel Warren booted a free kick but NEC keeper Robert Millard made an amazing save keeping Maine Maritime off the board.

The Mariners netted the equalizer just five minutes into the second half of play as George converted a penalty kick for his team-high tenth goal of the season.

George whetted the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute when he knocked down a free kick from Matt Leblanc.

Jesse Perkins picked up the win in goal for Maine Maritime with three saves. Millard stopped five shots for NEC.

Both teams will await the official NAC playoff release to determine an opponent and location of the opening round which begins Sunday, Nov. 3.

Maine Maritime...... 0 2 - 2

New England College. 1 0 - 1

SCORING SUMMARY:

1. 13:15 NEC Rob Lucas (8) (unassisted) - free kick

2. 50:07 MMA Nicholas George (10) Penalty kick

3. 80:43 MMA Nicholas George (11) (Matt Leblanc) - free kick, knock down

Shots: Maine Maritime 9, New England College 8

Saves: Maine Maritime 4 (Jesse Perkins 3; TEAM 1), New England College

5 (Robert Millard 5)