HENNIKER, N.H. – Maine Maritime Academy women's basketball fell in the North Atlantic Conference quarterfinals to New England College on Tuesday night, 72-43.

The Pilgrims jumped out to an early 21-7 lead before the Mariners slowly chipped away at the deficit, scoring five-unanswered points to cut the lead to 21-12 with 5:20 remaining. New England College responded with a 14-8 run to close out the first half, taking a 35-20 lead into the intermission.

New England College came out strong in the second half, steadily building their lead to claim the victory.

Kristi Willey (Topsham, Maine) led the Mariners with 14 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Mary Badeen (Newport, Maine) added 13 points, five rebounds, and an assist.

Lawlor ended the evening with a game-high 23 points to lead the Pilgrims, adding two rebounds, two steals, and an assist, while Taylor Burgess grabbed 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, and Marjani Lillard contributed 10 points, eight assists, three rebounds, and a pair of steals.

The Mariners conclude their season with a 12-14 record, while the Pilgrims (20-6) advance to the NAC semifinals.