'NORTON, MASS  . 5/10/03 – Junior Caroline Kurkowski belted a three run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning and sophomore hurler Stephanie Carter tossed a one-hit shutout, leading fifth seed Keene State College to a 4-0 victory over third seed Endicott College in Saturday's first elimination game of the NCAA Division III New England regional Tournament.

Keene State's record improved to 26-13 as the Owls advanced to the 4 p.m. game against the Tufts/Fitchburg State winner.  Endicott finished its season at 36-5.

Endicott's best scoring opportunity came in the opening inning, but Shauna Mullen threw out Nicole Zimmerman at home plate.

In the bottom of the third Abby Collis got things going for the Owls as she knocked home her third home run of the season with a solo shot to right center. KSC put the game away for good in the fifth inning when Jennifer Norman began a two-out rally with a double to right center.  Mullen then drew a walk, followed by Kurkowski's shot over the left field fence to give Keene State a comfortable 4-0 advantage. It was Kurkowski's ninth home run of the season.

Norman and Abby Blanchette had two hits each for KSC.  Carter threw a gem for the Owls, taking a  no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a harmless single to Adrienne Leone with one out. 

Carter posted four strikeouts and only one walk in seven innings of work.