Willimantic, Conn.  2/17/04 - The Keene State College women's basketball team had its two game winning streak snapped with a 58-50 Little East Conference loss to #19 ranked Eastern Connecticut State University at Geissler Gym in Willimantic, Conn. on Tuesday night.

The loss diminishes KSC's (10-13, 5-8 LEC) chance of finishing fourth and hosting a first-round tournament game. ECSU, which already clinched the second-seed in the upcoming LEC tournament, improves to 20-4 (10-3 LEC). 

Sophomore Bekka Hopkins (Oxford, Mass.), who hit three of five three-pointers, led the Owls with 13 points.  Sophomore guard Brittany Faulkner (Lebanon, N.H.) tied her career-high with 11 points, and freshman forward Sarah Begnoche (Millville, Mass.) finished with a team-high 10 rebounds to go along with her six points.

One of three seniors honored on senior night at ECSU, All-America guard Allison Coleman topped the Warriors with 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

The Owls, who trailed by nine (31-22) at the half, got as close as five points (54-49) on a three-pointer by Hopkins with 1:36 to play.   On the next possession, LEC player of the week Bri Barnes (Merrimack, N.H.) went down with an ankle injury, which stalled KSC's comeback and upset attempt.  

"We had them a little rattled, but the injury took the wind a little out of our sails," said KSC Assistant Coach Eric Matte.

KSC, which has lost its last seven games to Eastern Conn..  was unable to cut into the Warrior's  lead the rest of the way.

The Owls conclude their regular season schedule when they host R.I. College on Saturday (1 p.m.).