Keene State Field Hockey played Husson University to a 4-3 victory on Saturday, Sept. 27, defending a win from a dramatic comeback attempt by Husson. The Owls were coming off a loss to Smith College, their second of the season, and looking for a rebound.
Senior goalkeeper Clara Gorman took the first shot 30 seconds in, sending it wide. Gorman made four saves on the day without allowing a goal. Both sides spent the first quarter trading shot for shot, with senior defender Grace Murphy making an important defensive save.
Keene State delivered the first blow and the second in quick succession. The Owls scored twice in 39 seconds to end the first quarter, the first by junior forward Meghan Daileanes, her sixth goal of the season. Junior midfielder Grace Seabury knocked one into the net less than a minute later, her fifth goal of the season. Seabury was assisted by senior forward Grace Bazin, her fifth assist of the season.
Scoring in the second quarter opened when first-year midfielder Emma Bazin notched a score off a penalty corner, assisted by junior midfielder Belle Hemond. The shot was Emma Bazin’s second goal of the season and Hemond’s fourth assist.
At halftime, Gorman handed the net over to first-year goalkeeper Molly Diamondstein. Diamondstein made two saves, allowing three goals against.
Through the third quarter, Keene State took an extensive series of short corners, attempting 11 and coming up empty-handed. On the other end of the field, Husson converted its first penalty corner of the quarter to bring the score to 3-1.
Not to be outdone by her sister, Grace Bazin put one in the net six minutes after Husson, assisted by first-year forward Elle McDonald. The goal was Grace Bazin’s 18th of the season, the most in the Little East Conference, extending her scoring streak to ten games. It was McDonald’s first assist of her college career.
Early in the fourth quarter, Seabury received a green card from the referee, leaving the Owls shorthanded. Husson converted the power play to a second goal off a short corner, beginning a rally. On its next shot five minutes later, Husson potted a third shot in the net, bringing the score to 4-3.
The Owls got a scare late in the fourth quarter when Husson knocked a shot high into the net, ruled a no goal by the referee, ending Husson’s hopes of pushing the game to overtime.
“I mean, we got the win, and that’s what matters,” Head Coach Amy Watson said. “We didn’t have the best second half, but we scored more and that’s what matters.”
The Owls move on to a record of 8-2. The Owls will find their next opponent at home, playing Plymouth State University for their second conference matchup.
Frank LeBlanc can be contacted at
fleblanc@kscequinox.com
