Haverhill, MA (February 15, 2025) – The Northern Essex Community College women's basketball team dropped a hard fought decision on Saturday afternoon to UConn Avery Point by an 81-61 final. The loss drops the Knights to an 8-11 record and 6-6 in conference play.

A buzzer beater from Rhaelyn Gutierrez (Methuen) to end the second quarter gave NECC a 38-35 lead heading into the locker room at halftime, but high pressure from the Pointers in the second led them to outscore the Knights 48-23 over the final two quarters.

Gutierrez finished with a game high 35 points and was joined in double figures by Mirelys Morales (Dracut) who tossed in 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double effort.

Rebecca Heathman (Billerica) grabbed 12 rebounds in defeat for the Knights.

NECC will return to the court on Monday for a crucial home game with Bunker Hill at 12:00pm. The winner will likely earn the post-season tournaments final playoff berth.