'WILLIMANTIC, CONN.  11/4/05 - For the first time since joining the Little East Conference in 1997, the Keene State College women's volleyball team has advanced to the tournament finals with a stunning 3-2 upset victory over defending champ and second seed Plymouth State University on Friday at Eastern Conn. State University.

One win shy of tying the program record for wins, Keene State (17-11), the third seed, will face the winner of the match between top seed Eastern Conn. and fourth seed Rhode Island College for the championship in Willimantic at noon on Saturday.  

"Keene State has gone where it has never gone before," said a euphoric KSC Coach Bob Weiner.  "This team just refused to lose.  Hopefully we can take that final step tomorrow."

The Owls had to overcome a two game deficit to pull out the win.  After dropping the first two game 24-30 and 27-30, KSC was down 19-8 in the third game before rallying for the victory.  They came back to win game three 30-27.  Gaining confidence as the match continued KSC won the fourth game 30-18 and the deciding fifth game 15-11.

Senior middle block Shelly Ellis (Hampton, N.H.) led the Owls with 19 kills, 18 digs and three blocks.  Freshman hitter Brittany O'Bryant (Merriamack, N.H.) finished with 16 kills, 21 digs, and three blocks, and Sophomore hitter Kelly Yankowski (Turners Falls, Mass.) added 11 kills.

"We weren't scoring points, and then all of sudden Ellis, O'Bryant, and Yankowki go hot at the same time," said Weiner.  "Suddenly when it got to the fourth game and we had the big lead, they realized if they stayed focused they could win."

Keene State defeated top seed Eastern Conn. (3-1) for the first time ever this season, and dropped a 3-1 match to R.I. College.

"The players want to play Rhode Island College," said Weiner.  They want to avenge their earlier loss to them."