'Henniker, NH - Keene State College defeated New England College 10-7 in non-conference women's lscrosse action in Heniker on Thursday.

Keene State improves to 6-8 while the Pilgrims go to 9-6.

The Pilgrims would take an early 3-1 lead over the Owls but Keene would battle back scoring three unanswered goals in the first half to head into halftime ahead 4-3.  NEC would come out of halftime on fire scoring two quick goals to take the 5-4 lead.  The Owls would battle back and score four straight goals to take back the lead giving themselves a three goal cushion ahead 8-5.  Keene's defense would prove too tough with the Pilgrims mustering just two goals in the final 27 minutes of play as the Owls held on for the 10-7 victory.

Leading the way for Keene State was Lauren Saunders (Fremont, NH) who scored a game-high four goals including the game-winner.  Keene's Kristal Lundegaard (Babylon, NY) finished the afternoon with two goals and two assists, while Colleen Murphy (Mansfield, MA) scored two goals for the Owls.  NEC was led Emily Tanguay (Manchester, NH) who score three goals.

Picking up the win in goal for the Owls was Jen Gearing (Westfield, MA) who recorded 12 saves on the afternoon.  In goal for the Pilgrims was Laura Bishop (Brunswick, ME) who finished with 11 saves on the afternoon.

Keene State hosts Eastern Conn. on Saturday (1 p.m.).