The Keene State College Field Hockey team returned to the Owl Athletic Complex on Friday, Oct. 9, hoping to get back on track in Little East Conference (LEC) play. However, the Owls fell to the Wolves of Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) 2-1, extending their losing streak to four games.
Just three minutes into the game, WestConn struck and found an open cage that put itself ahead 1-0. Despite controlling possession and creating offensive opportunities, Keene State struggled to find an answer as first-year goalkeeper Tori Kelly worked to keep the team in the game. Throughout the first half, the Wolves held a 1-0 lead.
The Wolves extended their lead late in the third quarter, scoring with 3:46 remaining to make it 2-0. Despite allowing just one shot in the second half, Keene State found itself facing a two-goal deficit heading into the final quarter.
Through the fourth quarter, Keene State continued to pressure the Wolves and finally broke through with just over nine minutes remaining. Following a penalty corner inserted by senior midfielder Grace Seabury, sophomore midfielder Emma Bazin fired a shot from the top of the circle that junior defender Kayln Arnold tipped into the cage, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
With 6:26 remaining, the Owls pulled their goalkeeper to add another attacker in search of an equalizer. Despite earning two more penalty corners, Keene State could not find another goal.
The Owls dominated statistically, finishing with a 28-3 advantage in shots and a 17-0 lead in penalty corners. However, WestConn made the most of its limited opportunities to secure the upset.
Keene State falls to 7-6 overall and 1-2 in LEC play. At noon on Saturday, Oct. 17, the Owls will return to the field to play Eastern Connecticut State University.
Lauren Bender can be contacted at
lbender@kscequinox.com.
