HENNIKER, N.H. – The Castleton women's soccer team suffered a 2-0 defeat to end its season on Wednesday evening at the hands of top-seeded New England College.

The Spartans wrap up their season with a mark of 7-8-6, while NEC moves to 13-5-1 and will face Colby-Sawyer in the NAC Championship game.

Jessica Binkowski made three saves in the loss, while Dominique Valancius and Bri DiPhilippo each put two shots on goal.

Sara Locke and Emily LePage were the goal scorers for the Pilgrims, while Mackenzie Meegan made six saves in the shutout victory for NEC.

The Pilgrims got on the board early, striking in the 15th minute of the contest to give the home side a 1-0 lead. Jaycie Triandafilou sent a through ball from left to right, where Locke was waiting to drive it home for NEC. A Spartan defender made an effort to clear the ball off the line, but she was just late as the referee signaled for the goal.

Castleton increased its offensive pressure late in the first half, having multiple shots and possessing the ball deep in Pilgrim territory. The pressure was for naught, however, as Meegan three saves in the opening period, sending the Pilgrims into the half with a 1-0 advantage.

Castleton continued the pressure in the second half, outshooting NEC 7-4, though the Pilgrims capitalized on their best opportunity of the frame. In the 72nd minute, LePage dribbled the ball up the middle before threading a left-footed shot through a pair of Spartan defenders and into the bottom-right corner of the net to double the home squad's lead to 2-0, a score that held to the final whistle.

Castleton held a total shot advantage of 11-9, while both teams put six shots on goal. NEC had five corner kicks to Castleton's two in the contest.