The Keene State College Women’s Soccer team faced Rhode Island College (RIC) on Saturday, Oct. 10, looking to pick up valuable points in Little East Conference (LEC) play. The Owls battled throughout the contest but finished in a 0-0 draw, moving to 4-5-3 overall and 2-2-2 in conference play.
Keene State came out aggressively, creating early opportunities to get on the scoreboard. Less than a minute into the game, senior midfielder Emily O’Connell sent a shot wide of the goal. Also in the opening minutes, as the Owls looked to establish offensive pressure, senior midfielder Allison Kenyon added another attempt.
First-year goalkeeper Michaela DiCicco helped keep the game scoreless in the first half and recorded a save on an opposing shot in the 16th minute. Keene State continued to rotate players throughout the half, looking for an offensive spark while maintaining its defensive shape. Despite opportunities on both sides, neither team found the back of the net before halftime.
As the game continued, the Owls increased their offensive pressure. In the 37th minute, sophomore midfielder Brookelyn Boothroyd, junior midfielder Juliana Palhof and sophomore defender Giavanna Pasquarelli each recorded shots in quick succession, which forced the opposing goalkeeper to make three consecutive saves. Later in the half, Palhof added another attempt as Keene State continued searching for the breakthrough goal.
Keene State finished with 11 shots, including four on target, while earning three corner kicks. The Owls also recorded four saves between the posts, helping preserve the shutout through regulation. Despite opportunities for both teams, the game remained scoreless, and the Owls’ defensive efforts proved important.
Although the Owls could not convert their chances into a goal, their ability to limit the opposition and create late offensive pressure allowed them to secure a conference point.
Keene State moves to 4-5-3 overall and 2-2-2 in LEC play following the draw. In their next matchup, the Owls will look to build on their defensive performance and turn offensive opportunities into goals.
Lauren Bender can be contacted at
lbender@kscequinox.com.
