Keene State Women’s Lacrosse stepped onto the field in Danbury, Massachusetts, on Saturday, April 25, ready to face an undefeated Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) team in the final regular season game before the Little East Conference (LEC) tournament.
Although the final score ended in favor of the Wolves, the Owls displayed several strategies that could benefit them in the postseason. In particular, Keene State was dominant in the draw circle, outdrawing WestConn 13-12. Early in the game, Keene State converted efficiently from its first few shot attempts. The Owls’ strength was also evident on special teams, as they scored a man-down goal in the first quarter. These moments set the stage for an intense matchup as the game progressed.
The game opened with a fast-paced battle, as Keene State senior midfielder Tess Brown quickly scored within 41 seconds, assisted by sophomore attacker Anna Maccarini. Shortly after, graduate student midfielder Vicky Gracy tied it for WestConn, but then sophomore midfielder Lola Varricchione responded, giving Keene State a 2-1 lead. This early exchange highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest.
WestConn remained competitive with Keene State throughout the first quarter. The Wolves gained a 3-2 lead, but Maccarini, with an assist from Brown, tied the game at 3-3 midway through the period. Varricchione then restored the Owls’ lead, making it 4-3. However, WestConn junior attacker Isabella Pota shifted momentum, scoring twice in the final minute to put the Wolves ahead 5-4. From that point, WestConn maintained its lead for the remainder of the game.
Entering the second quarter, WestConn’s offense took firm control, going 6-0 in the period with two goals each by senior Madison Ratchford and Pota. By the end of the quarter, WestConn had built a seven-point lead, bringing the score to 11-4. This decisive stretch gave WestConn a commanding advantage moving into the second half.
Keene State sophomore goalkeeper Katelyn Nicotera endured a demanding first half, stopping six shots amid relentless WestConn pressure. Yet, WestConn capitalized on man-up chances, netting five goals to sustain its control and blunt Keene’s momentum.
Continuing its strong performance into the third quarter, WestConn added four more goals, increasing the lead to 15-4. In response, Keene State substituted senior goaltender Mabelle Bessette as goalie for the final 26 minutes, hoping for a change in momentum.
In the fourth quarter, the Owls managed two more goals. Brown scored her second, closing the regular season with 42 goals. Senior midfielder Riley Devine, assisted by Varricchione, added another, raising the Owls’ total to six. Meanwhile, Pota scored twice more for WestConn, finishing with seven goals and one assist as the game ended 18-6.
The Owls closed their season with a 7-10 overall record and a 4-4 LEC record. WestConn wrapped up regular play with a 13-3 record and an undefeated 8-0 mark in the LEC.
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