SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—New England College scored four second period goals and then held on for a 5-4 New England Hockey Conference win over Skidmore College Friday night at the Saratoga City Rink.

The loss drops the Thoroughbreds to 10-8-4 overall and 6-7-2 in NEHC play. The Pilgrims are 15-7-1 and 11-5.

After a scoreless first period, the teams combined for six goals in the second. Nicholas Rein put NEC up 1-0 38 seconds in. David Poirer tied it for the
Thoroughbreds with pinpoint shot that caught the inside of the far post at 4:45. Matthew Monk and Nicholas Stuckless assisted.

The Pilgrims went up 3-1 with goals 1:10 apart by Carolos Fornaris (6:02) and Connor Inger (7:12). Owen Campbell broke the run with his fifth goal of the season from Matthew Rutigliano and John Litscher at 7:49 to narrow it to 3-2. Inger tallied his second of the night at 10:09 for a 4-2 NEC lead at the break.

Nikita Pintusov scored his 23^rd of the season to open a 5-2 lead for NEC at 8:25 of the third. Skidmore battled back with goals by William Brochu at 9:29 and Reid Russell at 18:47. The Thoroughbreds had several chances in the final minute, but the Pilgrims held on for the 5-4 win.

Skidmore outshot New England 46-40. Brandon Kasel had 35 saves, while Anthony Pupplo had 42 for NEC, including 18 in the third period.

The Thoroughbreds play their final home game of the regular season Saturday at 4 p.m. against Southern Maine. It will be Hockey Night in Saratoga with Saratoga High School hosting rival Shenendehowa at 7 p.m.