'KEENE, N.H. 09/1/06 - The Keene State College field hockey opened its 2006 season with a 3-1 loss to in-state rival New England College at Owl Athletic Complex on Friday night.

The Pilgrims jumped up to a 2-0 lead at the half.  Amanda Lester (Columbia, Conn.) scored on a rebound and Megan Simula (Bridgewater, N.H.) scored on a penalty corner play.

The Owls cut the lead to 2-1 on a goal by Nichole Garneau (Twin Mountain, N.H.) early in the second half on a shot into the far corner of the net. 

Brittany Vogrin (Toronto, ONT.) added an insurance goal for NEC.

Jacqui Parker (Keene, N.H.) had six saves for NEC while Sara Joyce (Hampstead, N.H.) stopped nine shots for KSC.

KSC returns to action on Saturday with a non-conference game at Nichols College (1 p.m.). New England College plays at MIT on Saturday (6 p.m.)