Keene State earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Western Connecticut on Saturday afternoon at the Dr. Ron Butcher Field in Little East Conference gameplay.
Before the game began, the KSC women’s soccer team honored its seniors for its Senior Day celebration. Seniors Riley Andriski, Joclynn Tyler, Giuliana Stolfi, Katie Hattie, Morgan Prates, Christina Sanders, and Marissa McCarney were honored for their time and effort given to Keene State athletics.
After a slow and scoreless first half, Keene State broke the silence just seconds before halftime. Sophomore defender Keely Giordano found the back of the net off a dime of a pass from junior defender Elise Saab, giving the Owls a 1–0 lead heading into the break. Western Connecticut responded midway through the second half when Noelle Haase finished a setup from Hannah Blacher to tie the match at one.
Keene State answered immediately, regaining the lead. Junior Captain Bryn Dickinson scored what turned out to be the game-winner off an assist from junior captain Elizabeth Tschudin, tallying her third goal of the season. Despite several late pushes from the Wolves – including six second-half corner kicks – Keene State’s defense held firm to secure the hard-fought victory.
The Owls outshot Western 24–15, including an 8–7 edge in shots on goal. Both goalkeepers finished with six saves in the match. Western’s Sophia Onek received the game’s lone caution in the final minute of the game.
With the win, Keene State remains unbeaten in conference play to 8-4-6 overall and 3-0-4 in the LEC. They will look to carry that momentum into the postseason. Western Connecticut will aim to rebound in its next outing as the regular season concludes, as it drops to 10-7-2 and 4-3-1 in conference play.
Jonathan Smyers can be contacted at
