Providence, RI-Keene State senior starting pitcher Meghan McLoughlin (Brattleboro, VT) gave up three scattered hits and struck out eight batters as the Owls defeated Eastern Connecticut, 2-0, giving them their fourth-ever Little East Conference Softball Tournament Championship.

"This team was on a mission and we took care of business this weekend," said KSC Coach Charlie Beach. "Nothing comes easy in this tournament. "Beating the top seed R.I. College on Friday put us in a good position, and we were able to finish with another strong game today."

The game was scoreless until the fourth inning when Eastern Connecticut starting pitcher Brooke Nici (Clinton, MA) hit Keene State leadoff hitter Kaity Conklin (Selkirk, NY). After a sacrifice bunt, Keene State designated player Liz Mroczka (Rocky Hill, CT) singled in Conklin from second to give the Owls the lead for good. Keene State added an insurance run in the fifth inning, as junior Sarah Campbell (Auburn, MA) reached base on an error, and eventually scored on a wild pitch.

"I think we always felt in control throughout the tournament," said McLoughlin. "Everything came together at the right time, we had timely hitting, the defense made all the plays behind me , and I just had to do my part." McLoughlin was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, throwing three complete game shutouts, recording 28 strikeouts in 21.0 innings pitched. With the win, she moves to 13-3 on the season. "It's nice to receive the honor, but I'm more proud of what we did as a team and our all-around play." Nici took the loss for the Warriors, falling to 5-10 on the season.

"We're not done yet," said Beach. "This team doesn't want to stop here. They want to find out how far it can go."