'KEENE, N.H. 11/1/03 - Senior Tanya Strong (Hatfield, Mass.), playing in her final regular- season home game scored four goals, including the goal that broke the record for most goals scored in a season (25), to lead the Keene State College field hockey team to a 9-0 shutout victory over Salem State College at Owl Athletic Complex on Saturday. 

Lori Osterbeig held the previous record (23) since 1987.  

"After I scored five goals in the last game against Endicott, I knew I was close," said Strong.  "It's a real honor to break a record that has lasted so long.  I couldn't have accomplished it without the help of my teammates and a little luck.  This has been a dream senior season for me."

KSC goes into the post-season with a 15-5 mark and remains undefeated in LEC play. It's the second time that the Owls have been undefeated in conference play since its inception in 1998.  Salem State falls to 5-10.

The Owls dominated the game as senior back Kate Barnowski (Granville, Mass.) opened up the scoring at 8:04 into the game.  Just three minutes later, freshman forward Nichole Garneau (Twin Mountain, N.H.) scored on an assist by senior Nichole Dallas (Marlow, N.H.). 

Strong netted the next three goals, and Dallas closed out the half on a penalty stroke goal at 6:10. 

Returning from halftime, Strong scored her final goal of the day.  Senior midfielder Justina Wentworth (Keene, N.H.) and sophomore midfielder Michelle McInerney (Hampton, N.H.) added second half goals.

The Owls had a 69-6 shot advantage in the game. 

Freshman Caitlin Baril (Canton, Mass.) started in goal for KSC and made no saves for the Owls before sophomore Michelle Codding (Jericho, VT) replaced her with 10:33 left in the first half.  Codding finished with six saves for KSC.  Sophomore goalkeeper Meaghan Oskirko (Lancaster, Mass.) turned aside 39 shots in the game for Salem State. 

Before the start of today's game, the following seniors were recognized for playing in their last regular season home game: Abbi Pernaa, Carley Sweeney, Nicole Lemire, Tanya Strong, Justina Wentworth, and Kate Barnowski. 

The Owls host the semi-finals and finals of the Little East Tournament on Friday (12:00 p.m./2:30 p.m.) and Saturday. the Owls will face the winner of the Bridgewater/Worcester State game on Friday at noon.