HENNIKER, N.H. – The Curry College women's basketball team earned a gritty 57–54 road victory over New England College on Thursday evening inside Bridges Gym, using a strong first half and clutch defensive stops in the closing minutes to secure its first win of the young 2025-26 season.

Curry set the tone early, putting up 17 first-quarter points behind sharp perimeter shooting from Lauren Morse and steady interior play from Kasey Reeves and Sophie Hilbrunner. The Colonels extended their lead in the second quarter with a 19-point frame, taking a 36–27 advantage into halftime after executing one of their most efficient offensive stretches this year thus far. 

Morse led the way offensively with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including four made threes, providing much-needed scoring against NEC's coverage. Reeves delivered a dominant performance on the boards, finishing with nine rebounds, eight points, and three assists, while going 8-of-10 from the free throw line.

Sophomore forward Grace Fleuriel provided crucial bench production, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and adding eight points and six rebounds in her 14 minutes of play.

Senior guard Lauren Dunn contributed six points, three rebounds, and a steal, while junior Samantha Conti impacted the game with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Despite Curry's strong start, the Pilgrims clawed back in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Colonels 16–9 and twice cutting the deficit to a single possession. NEC was led by Jayden Estrada's 11 points and Bailey Burke's eight rebounds, but Curry's defensive resilience down the stretch preserved the victory.

Though Curry shot just 29.8% from the floor, the Colonels made up for it with a 44–39 rebounding margin and 17 points at the free throw line. Their ability to win the turnover battle in key moments ultimately sealed the outcome.

With the win, the Colonels improve to 1–1 on the season and will play again on the road Saturday, November 25th, at Clark University.