'KEENE, N.H. 9/21/02 - Erin Duffy's goal at the 69:04 mark of the second half proved to be the game-winner in Wheaton College's 2-1 victory over Keene State in a battle of top regional women's soccer teams on Saturday at Owl Stadium Complex.

Ranked first in the region and seventh nationally, Wheaton improves to 6-1.  Keene State (4-1-1), ranked fourth in the region, suffered its first loss of the season.

Following a pair of great saves by KSC goalie Michelle Mason (Fairport, N.Y.),  on Tracy Prihoda (Needham, MA), the Owls took a 1-0 halftime lead on a goal by Sarah Miller (Walpole, N.H.). Set up in front by teammate Erin Lester (Walpole, N.H.), the freshman midfielder put the ball in the far right corner for her first collegiate goal.

Later in the half, Mason kept Wheaton off the board when she robbed Erin Duffy (East Longmeadow, MA.) from point-blank range. 

Lyon goalie Jessica Broomhead prevented KSC from adding to its lead when she made a diving save on Lester's direct kick. A minute later, Wheaton tied the game at 1-1 on a sliding goal by Prihoda, her seventh of the season.

Later in the half, Wheaton took a 2-1 lead when Erin Duffy (E. Longmeadow, MA.) headed in Teresa Lebel's indirect kick. KSC's best opportunity to get the equalizer came with 9:32 to play when Broomhead stopped Amy Lamson's (Plymouth, MA.) drive ticketed for the far corner.

Both goalies had outstanding games in goal. Mason and Broomhead finished with eight saves each.

KSC will be at Middleburry on Wednesday (4:15 p.m.)