KEENE, N.H. 12/30/2006 - The Keene State College women's basketball team advanced to the championship game of its holiday tournament with a 93-50 victory over St. Joseph College of Vermont at Spaulding Gym on Saturday.

The Owls (7-1), who were playing their first game since Dec. 9, got off to a slow start before pulling away for the lopsided win. They will play Maine Maritime Academy in Sunday's championship game at 3 p.m. MMA posted a come-from-behind 78-73 win over Worcester State in the second first-round game.

The first half was highlighted by Sarah Begnoche's (Millville, Mass.) 1,000th career point.  The senior forward hit the milestone at the 4:58 mark of the half when she took a feed down low from Bri Barnes (Merrimack, N.H.) and put in a lay-up.

Begnoche, who finished with 15 points, knew she was closing in on the milestone.  "All my teammates told me how many points I needed," said Begnoche. "It's a big accomplishment, but I just tried to treat it just like any other game."

"Sarah is a great athlete with tremendous tools," said KSC Coach Keith Boucher.  "This milestone came because she has a very good work ethic and she comes to play every day."

Begnoche becomes the 15th women's basketball player at Keene State to reach the 1,000-point career plateau. 

Freshman Jen Cleaveland (Newington, Conn.) also had a big day for the Owls scoring a season high 22 points.  Barnes with 13 points, and Emily Flewelling (Pittsford, Vt.) and Meridith Shaw (Yarmouth, Me.) had 10 points each to round out the double figure scorers for Keene State. 

Irene Tompkins (Schenectady, N.Y.) had 14 points and Brittany Cunningham (Greenfield, N.Y.) finished with 11 points for the Fighting Saints who drop to 1-12.

Leading 16-14, KSC went on a 21-4 run to take a commanding 37-18 lead .  The Owls held 48-24 halftime advantage.