Eastern Connecticut State University (EastConn) remained unbeaten in Little East Conference (LEC) play with a hard-fought 4-2 road win over Keene State on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Owl Athletic Complex.
Before the game began, Keene State’s field hockey team honored its seniors for its Senior Day tradition. Seniors Grace Bazin, Jennifer Erikson, Quinn Mailloux, Kalina Piasecki, Kaitlyn Castriotta, Alessandra Vidal, Grace Murphy, Madeline Silvester and Clara Gorman were celebrated for their time and experience in Keene State athletics.
EastConn struck first as Sophie Ash put in her second goal of the season off a feed from Grace Barlage. Keene State responded when senior forward Grace Bazin scored to tie the game up 1-1.
The second half was controlled by the Warriors. Emma Sanson scored unassisted at the top of the third quarter, and back-to-back goals by Jenna Boardman and Ada Ellis gave EastConn a commanding 4-1 lead halfway through the fourth. Boardman and Ellis each notched their second goals of the season, with Barlage and Boardman picking up a spicy assist.
Keene State tried to rally the troops, as Bazin scored her second goal of the game and 32nd of the season, but EastConn’s defense held up.
The Warriors outshot Keene 18-14 and earned eight penalty corners to the Owls’ five. EastConn goalkeeper Lily Watson made five saves, while Keene’s defense had nine.
The win vaults Eastern Connecticut into a prime position in the LEC standings as the regular season winds down. The Warriors picking up the win are now 8-7, and are 3-0 in the LEC. The Owls fall to 11-5, 3-1 in the LEC, snapping KSC’s seven-game win streak and handing them their first conference loss of the season.
The team will play at home on Tuesday, Oct. 28, against Vermont State University at Castleton.
Jonathan Smyers can be contacted at
