A seven-goal first quarter from Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) proved to be the difference on Saturday afternoon at the Owl Athletic Complex, as the Keene State College Women’s Lacrosse team was unable to recover in a 14–8 loss in Little East Conference (LEC) play.
The defeat drops Keene State to 8–3 overall and 2–1 in the LEC, while WestConn improves to 10–1 and remains unbeaten in conference action at 3–0.
The Wolves took control early, dominating possession and scoring seven unanswered goals in the opening quarter. Two players scored twice during the run, with WestConn also capitalizing on two man-up opportunities and a pair of free-position chances to build a commanding lead. Keene State struggled to find its footing, turning the ball over multiple times and failing to generate consistent offensive looks in the opening frame.
That changed when junior midfielder Riley Devine provided a much-needed spark, scoring twice in quick succession early in the second quarter to cut into the deficit. Less than a minute later, first-year attacker Lola Varricchione buried a free-position shot, narrowing the Wolves’ lead to 7–3 and briefly shifting momentum in Keene State’s favor.
In net, junior Katelyn Nicotera entered late in the first quarter and made an immediate impact, stopping the first six shots she faced in the second. Her presence helped stabilize the Owls defensively and allowed the team to settle into a more structured rhythm. Still, WestConn Connecticut continued to find timely goals. With just over three minutes remaining in the half, Wolves junior Madison Ratchford netted her 40th goal of the season. After another Keene State tally, WestConn added a buzzer-beater in the final second of the half to take a 9–4 lead into the break.
The Owls looked to chip away in the third quarter, as first-year attacker Anna Maccarini converted a free-position goal. But the Wolves responded almost immediately and added two more scores, extending their lead to 12–5 heading into the final frame.
Keene State kept battling in the fourth. Senior attacker Chase Gengras notched her 97th career point on a goal assisted by Varricchione, who finished with three points on the day. Junior Tess Brown added a goal of her own, continuing her recent strong play. However, WestConn tacked on a final insurance goal to secure the 14–8 win.
Keene State will look to bounce back on Tuesday, April 9, when the team travels to face Eastern Connecticut State University in another key LEC matchup.
Elías Stowell Alemán can be contacted at
estowellaleman@kscequinox.com
