'KEENE, N.H.  - 11/6/02- The Keene State College women's volleyball team defeated Rhode Island College 3-0 in a Little East Conference quarterfinal match played Wednesday at Spaulding Gym.

It was a milestone victory for Keene State (15-6), which won its first-ever LEC Tournament match since joining the conference in 1997. The fourth seed in the Tournament, Keene State advances to Saturday 's semifinals where they will play top seed and host Western CT in a 4:30 p.m. match.

The Owls swept their three game match against the Anchorwomen winning 30-23, 30-22, and 30-28.  Trailing 23-22 in the final game, KSC outscored RIC 8-5 to pull out the deciding victory.

Abbe Robichaud (Gilford, N.H.) had a fine overall match for the Owls with nine kills, two service aces, one block and 18 digs.  Deb Hughes (Ashland, N.H.) added 10 kills and four blocks and six digs and Nicole Geyselears (Cornwall Bridge, CT) finished with 10 kills and four blocks.

"We struggled a little bit but we got the key point when we needed it," said KSC Coach Scott Price.  "It was a huge win for the program, I couldn't be more pleased.  It's been a few long season, but its finally come together."

Amanda Yanski (Woonsocket, R.I.) had 15 kills for the sixth seed RIC, which completes its season with a 13-16 record.