Junior midfielder Tess Brown delivered a record-tying performance, netting nine goals to propel the Keene State College Women’s Lacrosse team to a commanding 16-6 victory over Vermont State University Castleton at Dave Wolk Stadium on Friday, March 28. The Owls improved to 2-0 in Little East Conference play and 7-2 overall, while Castleton dropped to 1-8 (0-2 LEC).
The Owls wasted no time asserting their dominance, striking first with three goals in the opening nine minutes—each coming from free position attempts. First-year midfielder Lola Varricchione put the Owls on the board just under three minutes in, followed by a man-up goal from Brown and another from Varricchione to establish a 3-0 lead.
Castleton answered with a goal late in the first quarter, but Brown responded almost immediately to maintain Keene State’s three-goal cushion at 4-1 after one-quarter of play.
Both teams lit up the scoreboard in a high-scoring second quarter. Castleton struck first with a man-down goal from Renny Cota, but the Owls quickly took control again. Brown buried two goals just 40 seconds apart, followed by a strike from first-year Anna Maccarini to stretch the lead to 7-2.
Keene State continued its relentless attack, tacking on two more goals within 37 seconds—one from senior Lola Smith and another from Brown. Castleton managed to sneak in a pair of goals before halftime, but Brown’s sixth of the night just before the break ensured KSC carried a 10-4 lead into the locker room.
The second half opened with the Owls looking to add to their advantage, and they did just that. Brown netted her seventh goal off an assist from Maccarini, and sophomore Hayden Smith followed up moments later to extend the lead to 12-4. Maccarini added her second goal of the night, and Keene State’s defense tightened, with first-year goalie Katelyn Nicotera making key stops. By the end of the third quarter, the Owls held a firm 13-5 advantage.
Keene State continued to dominate the fourth quarter, as Brown reached historic territory with her eighth and ninth goals, tying the program’s single-game record. Maccarini completed her hat trick in the final minutes, capping a stellar offensive showing for the Owls who walked out 16-6 winners.
Up next, Keene State returns home to host Worcester State University on Tuesday, April 1, at 6:30 p.m. The Owls’ clash against the Lancers will be the final non-conference game before an important stretch of six LEC matchups.
Elías Stowell Alemán can be contacted at
estowellaleman@kscequinox.com
