PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLA. - The Keene State College women's lacrosse team opened its 2002 season with a 17-2 loss to Hamilton College from Clinton, N.Y., in Panama City Beach, Florida on Friday. The loss spoiled the debut of Owl first-year coach Emily Johnson.

It was a tough opener for KSC, which was facing a strong Hamilton team which had won two consecutive Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) titles and reached the NCAA (Div. III) quarterfinals the past two years.

The Continentals went ahead 14-1 at the break, but scored just three times in the second half. Freshman Michelle Mason (Fairport, N.Y.) netted both KSC goals. Natalie Kent (Billerica, MA.) assisted on the second Owl goal.

Molly Plummer led Hamilton with eight goals.

Keene State goalie Colleen McSweeney (East Longmeadow, MA.) faced 23 shots and made six saves.

"They're a very strong team, but I thought we played very well," said Johnson. "Our defense got a lot of work and improved as the game went on."

"It was a good learning experience for everyone, and hoping get us ready for New England College on Tuesday.

Tuesday's home opener at Owls Stadium against the Pilgrims begins at 4 p.m.