UNION, N.J. 9/2/01 - Rudy Lormil scored two unassisted goals in the first half to lead host Kean University to a 2-0 victory over Keene State College in the Championship game of the Cougar Invitational in Union, N.J., on Sunday.

Lormil's first goal was the result of miscue by an Owl defender. His second goal came on a breakaway shot that beat KSC goalie Brandon Beck. The Owls (1-1), who were outshot 12-0 in the first half, didn't let the Cougars (2-0) past midfield in the second half.

KSC missed three breakaway opportunities in the second half, two by freshman John Harke (Leeds, MA.) and one by sophomore John Cortese (Wilbraham, MA.). They're a very good team and we played scared in the first half,' said KSC Coach Ron Butcher. 'We played better in the second half and I was pleased that our freshman created some scoring opportunities.'

The Owls lost two players due to injuries in the game. Forward Robby Carson (Goffstown, N.H.) went down with a hamstring pull just 30 seconds into the game and Jason Simone (North Salem, N.Y.) sustained a shin injury 10 minutes into the second half.

Beck finished with six saves for the Owls. Billy Eckman made three stops for Kean, which also shutout Wilkes University 2-0 in their opening game of the Tournament.

It was the first meeting between the two teams since 1997. The Cougars now hold a 2-0-1 series advantage.

Keene State will now prepare for its home-opener, Wednesday night (6 p.m.) against Springfield College.