LEWISTON, Maine -- Middlebury College built an insurmountable 4-0 lead before putting down Bates College 4-2 in a showdown between strong NESCAC teams Saturday at Russell Street Field.

The Panthers, 9-3 overall, moved to 6-2 in NESCAC play, and ended a two-game skid against league opponents.

Gabe Wood gave Middlebury a 1-0 just 3:22 into the game as he headed in a long throw-in from David Lee.

The lead doubled at 35:10 as Derek Cece headed in a corner from Allen Bourdon. Cece struck again just 3:26 later as he converted a penalty kick. Bill Brennan scored Middlebury’s final goal at the 69:54 mark as he headed in a crossing pass from Baer Fisher.

Bates (8-3-2, 3-3-2) got on the board at 76:25 as Brent Morin scored with a shot from the outside, assisted by Terence O'Connell. The goal put Morin (Hanover, N.H.) into the No. 1 position on the NESCAC scoring list, one ahead of his teammate O'Connell (Greenwich, Conn.).

First-year forward Greg Nelson (Greenwich, Conn.) scored the game’s final goal, his first collegiate goal, as he put home a loose ball at the 83:14 mark, to make it a 4-2 contest. Morin was credited with the assist.

Zack Toth made seven saves in goal for Middlebury, while Aaron Schleicher (Londonderry, N.H.) made nine saves for Bates.

SCORING SUMMARY

M-1st (3:22) – Gabe Wood (David Lee)

M-1st (35:10) – Derek Cece (Allen Bourdon)

M-1st (38:36) – Cece

M-2nd (69:54) – Billy Brennan (Baer Fisher)

B-2nd (76:25) – Brent Morin (Terence O’Connell)

B-2nd (83:14) – Greg Nelson (Morin)

GOALKEEPING SUMMARY

Zack Toth-M (90 min., 7 saves, 2 GA)

Aaron Schleicher-B (90 min., 9 saves 4 GA)

SHOTS: Middlebury 19, Bates 20

CORNER KICKS: Middlebury 2, Bates 2

FOULS: Middlebury 19, Bates 18