'KEENE, N.H.  2/22/03  –  The Keene State College women's basketball team defeated UMA-Dartmouth 78-66 in its last home regular-season game of the year at Spaulding Gym on Saturday. The win, coupled with Western CT's 80-63 victory over UMA-Boston at Danbury, CT, enabled the Owls (15-10, 7-7 LEC) to secure the fourth seed and a home first round game in the Little East Conference Tournament on Tuesday (5:30 p.m.).

"With a young team, it's a big advantage to have the game here, " said KSC Coach Keith Boucher.  "Our young players play much better at home." 

Hayley Alaimo (Ellington, CT) had 19 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, and freshman Liz Donnelly (Littleton, N.H.) came off the bench to score a season high 18 points to lead KSC over the Corsairs. Julie Tardif (Atkinson, N.H.), who finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds, also tied a school record with seven blocks. 

Leading by nine (40-31) at the half, the Owls broke the game open with a 10-2 run to start the second half.  A pair of free throws by Brittany Faulkner (Lebanon, N.H.) gave KSC a 17-point lead (50-33).

Amy Satkevich (Quincy, MA.) led UMD (5-20, 2-12 LEC) with 12 points which Sarah Lynch (Lakeville, MA.) added 12 rebounds.

It was an emotional afternoon for seniors Tardif and Alaimo, who were playing in their final home regular season game. "It's been my favorite year," said Tardif, who rejoined the team this season.  It's sad, but hopefully we'll have a few more games to play."

"It was a sad feeling," added Alaimo, but we got a win. Hopefully we can go on and do well in the tournament."

KSC has not lost to the Corsairs in 12 LEC games. 

                                           -30-