'KEENE, N.H. 9/2/03 - The Keene State College women's soccer team opened up its 2003 season with a 5-0 shutout victory over Western New England College, Tuesday in Keene.

All-America Erin Lester (Walpole, N.H.) scored two of the Owls' three first half goals.  Lester put KSC on top 1-0 at the 5:33 mark with a shot just under the crossbar. Jennifer Ortisi (Allenstown, N.H.) made it 2-0 less than two minutes later when she finished off a picture-perfect passing play from Beth Vachon (Amherst, N.H) and Lester. Lester completed the first half scoring with a shot from the top of the box.

The Owls added two more second half goals by Amber-Lynn Lyman (Hinesburg, Vt.) and freshman Katie Stevens. Stevens' first college goal came on a breakaway.

Michelle Mason (Fairport, N.Y.) turned aside four shots to notch the shutout, the 25th of her career.  Marissa Sullivan (Halesite, N.Y.) had a strong game in goal for the Golden Bears finishing with 11 saves.

Keene State travels to Wheaton College on Saturday (1 p.m.) in a re-match of last year's  NCAA New England Regional finals won by the Lyons 3-1.