HENNIKER, N.H. — The New England College Pilgrims scored five times in the opening quarter — including three goals in the initial 3:03 of the contest — on their way to a 10-7 win over the University of New England in non-conference men’s lacrosse action Tuesday afternoon at Don Melander Field. 

NEC (3-4) claimed its first win over UNE (5-2) in the last three meetings between the two squads.

Sean Largay accounted for half of the Pilgrims’ scoring output with a match-high five goals. William Pendleton chipped in two goals and two assists, while Matt Richard added a goal and set-up four others.

Andew Curro, Dan Auger and Tom Luttrell each notched a pair of markers for UNE. Alex Zadworny rounded out the Nor’easters goal-scoring total with one.

Leading 5-3 after one frame, NEC pulled away by blanking the visitors 3-0 in the second quarter. The Pilgrims would lead 10-5 after three before surrendering a pair of goals in the final quarter.

UNE led 45-30 in shots, but trailed 29-15 in the ground ball department. The Nor’easters scored nearly half (3) of their goals in a man-up situation. 

Adam Race had three caused turnovers for UNE, which received 10 saves from goalkeeper David Pearson.

New England College’s Connor Fries had a stellar day, racking up 15 ground balls and six caused turnovers. Austin Frankel won 9 of 13 face-offs, and William Platt totaled 13 saves to register the win in goal.

The Nor’easters will look to get back in the win column Saturday when they open Commonwealth Coast Conference play at Nichols College (1 p.m.).