LYNDON CENTER, Vt. — Lyndon took a big step forward in securing a berth in the upcoming North Atlantic Conference playoffs by defeating New England College 2-1 at the Lyndon Athletics Field.

Samantha Bergeron (Milton, Vt.), one of five Lyndon seniors honored before the game, opened the scoring 1:31 into the first half when she headed home a corner kick off the foot of Emily Strese. The lead did not last long however, as New England answered back at 11:18 when Kristen Walker drilled home a pass from Jillian Zanine to tie the score at 1-1.

The Hornets' Sarah Cornell (Lyndonville, Vt.) would score the game winner late in the first half with a high arching shot that found the back of the net with 11:19 left to play in the half.

In the second half, Hornet goalkeeper Tia Billado (Bellows Falls, Vt.) took over making three outstanding saves to preserve the victory. Pilgrim goalie Tricia Sardagnola was equally impressive thwarting a pair of Lyndon scoring opportunities that could have put the game away for good.

Billado made three saves to get the win and Sardagnola stopped eight shots in taking the loss. The Hornets outshout the Pilgrims by a margin of 14-8 in the contest.

Prior to the contest, Bergeron and fellow seniors Lindsay Warner (Newport, Vt.), Jesi Amsden (Orwell, Vt.), Melissa Rosato (Florence, Vt.) and Michelle Wilcox (Sheldon, Vt.) were honored for their contributions and achievements in the Lyndon women's soccer program over the past four seasons.