Haverhill, MA (February 7, 2028) – The Northern Essex women's basketball team got tripped up at home on Friday night, falling to Holyoke Community College by a 79-71 final score. The loss drops the Knights to 9-11 overall and 7-4 in conference play.

The game was close throughout with the Cougars holding a one-point advantage at the end of the first quarter 27-26 and a four-point lead at the half 41-37.

NECC took their first lead of the contest two minutes into the third quarter and the game remained close until the final whistle with Holyoke converting their free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

Shaneley Henriquez (Haverhill) and Rhaelyn Gutierrez (Methuen) led the Knights in double figures with 24 and 22 points respectively.

The Knights will return to action on Monday at 5:00pm when they play host to Washington County Community College.