Miss New Hampshire USA 2015 Crowned

MANCHESTER, NH (CBS) - The Patriots aren't the only big winners in New England this weekend. Nearly 40 young women competed in the Granite State's Super Bowl of pageants, Miss New Hampshire USA 2015.

The big winner, Samantha Poirier, 23, of Dover, will represent her state at the nationally televised Miss USA pageant this summer. Poirier placed first runner-up the past two years. In her judge's interview, she said coming so close in previous pageants inspired her to work even harder and return to win the title Miss New Hampshire USA 2015.

Eleanor Lathram, 17, of Bedford, took the title of Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 2015. Lathram will compete at Miss Teen USA this August in the Bahamas.

WBZ-TV's Bree Sison helped judge the pageant, which was held in Manchester on Saturday and Sunday. Winners are picked based on physical fitness, poise and personality.

The show's directors, Clemente Productions, timed the pageant to end before the Patriot's kickoff in the AFC Championship. Well played.