KEENE, N.H. (11/16/01)- The Keene State College women's basketball team opened its 2001-02 season by defeating Thomas College 94-45 in an opening round game of the KSC/Shaw's Tip-off Classic Friday in Keene.

Five Owl players scored in double figures. Aly Araque (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) had 15 points and nine rebounds and Meghan Csizmesia (Arlington, Vt.) finished with 14 points to lead the KSC attack. Erika Forsberg (Laconia, N.H.) (12 points and 10 rebounds), Kim Thomson (Wolfeboro, N.H.) (12 points), and Courtney Clarke (Trenton, N.J.) (11 points) rounded out the double figure scorers for Keene State.

The Owls broke the game open early by jumping out to a 56-24 half time lead.

Erin Lovely led Thomas College (0-1) with 14 points and seven rebounds.

Keene State will face Norwich University in the Classic Finals on Saturday. Shevon Gibbons had 31 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Cadets over Westfield State 69-62 in the other first round game.