'KEENE, N.H. 11/2/05 - Tuesday was advancement day for three Keene State College teams that advanced to the semifinal round of their respective Little East Conference Tournaments.

Surviving a hard-fought 1-0 double-overtime quarterfinal game against sixth seed and rival Plymouth State University, the third seeded Keene State College women's soccer team (10-5-3) moves on to face  second seed Western Conn. State University (14-1-2)  in a semifinal game at Eastern Conn. State University on Friday      (1:30 p.m.).   The Owls and the Colonials battled to a 1-1 tie earlier this season in Danbury. Top seed ECSU (10-5-2) will take on fourth seed Southern Maine (11-6-1) in the other semifinal contest.  The two semifinal winners will play for the LEC Championship on Saturday (12 p.m.).

"There's no doubt in my mind we're going to get to the finals," said junior midfielder Breanne Lucey, who scored the game-winner against Plymouth.  "We had a lull briefly, but we've won out last four games. I think we're going to step up to the competition and play well."

The defending LEC champs, KSC has reached the finals six straight years, winning the championship in 2002 and 2004.

The second seeded Keene State field hockey team advanced to the semifinals with a 2-0 win over seventh seed Southern Maine.  The Owls (12-8) will take on sixth seed UMass-Dartmouth (10-10) at Plymouth State on Friday (2:30 p.m.).  KSC edged the Corsairs 1-0 in overtime game played in North Dartmouth earlier this season. Top seed Plymouth State plays fourth seed Westfield State (9-8) in the second semifinal match up.  The two semifinal winners will play for the LEC Championship on Saturday (12 p.m.).

"We have to move back on grass, so that will be a challenge for us," said KSC Coach Amy Watson.  "UMass-Dartmouth always gives us a good game, and I expect another tough battle on Friday."

The defending LEC champs Owls won the LEC title in 1998, 1999 and 2004.

Seeded third in the Tournament, the Keene State women's volleyball team swept a three game match against sixth seed Western Conn. State to move into the semifinal round.  Hosting just their second LEC Tournament game, the Owls won 30-22, 30-28, and 30-23 behind senior Shelly Ellis' 12 kill, 17 dig, and two block performance.  KSC (16-11) will face second seed Plymouth State (22-15) at Eastern Conn. on Friday (4 p.m.).  The Owls lost a tough 3-2 match to the Panthers earlier this season. Top seed ECSU (26-10) goes up against fourth seed Rhode Island College (22-13) in the second semifinal contest. The semifinal winners play for the LEC title on Saturday (12 p.m.).

"Plymouth State is next on our plate and they beat us early 3-2, but were not the same team we were then," said KSC Coach Bob Weiner.  "I think we're excited to have another crack at them."

KSC have never advanced to the finals of the LEC Tournament.

On Wednesday, the top seeded Keene State College men's soccer team lost it's semifinal game (4-1) to fourth seed Western Conn.  The Owls (12-3-3) will now await a possible berth to the New England ECAC Tournament.