KEENE, N.H. - The New England College field hockey team found themselves in a tough battle that ended in favor of the undefeated Owls of Keene State College on Thursday night at Owl Athletic Complex in Keene, New Hampshire that ended with the 'Grims enduring their first loss on the season, 0-2.

THE BASICS
Score:     New England College 0, Keene State College 2
Records:   Pilgrims 4-1, 0-0 GNAC | Owls 4-0, 0-0 LEC

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the first quarter of action, the odds were stacked against the 'Grims early on as junior goalkeeper Makenzie Anderson (Antrim, N.H.) faced an immense amount of pressure from the Owl's offense as they managed to fire off eight shots in her direction. Even after that onslaught of shots the junior stood her ground allowing not a single shot to find the back of the net.
• On top of that, KSC created a number of scoring opportunities producing six penalty corners while NEC couldn't find themselves in that position as they could not muster a single one during the first quarter.
• The second quarter consisted of a more competitive bout as neither team was able to find their rhythm with only two shots taken on both sides with no scoring sequences occurring -  wrapping the half up at a standstill.
• KSC was able to fire on all cylinders on the defensive side of the field standing stout allowing no shots to be taken by the 'Grims. Anderson of NEC remained in control facing two shots that were unable to get past the junior goalkeeper with the score remaining 0-0 going into the final quarter.
• Penalty corners proved to be the difference maker in this non-conference clash as the Owl's were bestowed another six penalty corners. None were bigger than the one that came at 7:12 in the fourth that helped senior forward Irini Stefanakos (Fitchburg, Mass.) fire a pass into scoring position that found its way to the stick of junior forward Kalina Piasecki (Melrose, Mass.) who fought for the ball in a scuffle that ended in her scoring the first goal of the game.
• For good measure, the Owl's did not let up immediately scoring after the previous goal that came at 6:00 from yet another penalty corner. Leading to a perfectly executed sequence with the ball finding its way up over to Stefanakos who made the pass that allowed for senior midfielder Molly Murray (Gorham, Maine) to let one rip from the left side of the goal resulting in yet another goal on the evening solidifying the Owls fourth consecutive win on the season over NEC, 2-0.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• NEC's Anderson despite the loss played well and did all she could for the 'Grims gathering 14 saves facing eight of them in the first quarter.
• KSC's Clara Goldman (Stratham, N.H.) ended her night with three saves.
• The Owl's had complete control of the penalty corner battle finishing with 16 to the 'Grims six on the night. KSC also had command of the shots dealing out 18 compared to NEC's four.
• KSC Stefanakos had herself a night compiling three points off of a goal and an assist. Murray also contributed to the Owl's scoring efforts obtaining a goal for herself.

 
UP NEXT

• NEC is back on the field on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. as they'll be hosting their first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) game squaring off against the Bulldogs of Dean College from Don Melander Field.
• KSC plays their next game against Fitchburg State University as they travel out to Fitchburg, Massachusetts at 5:00 p.m. from Elliot Field.

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