'KEENE, N.H. 9/12/06 - Smith College scored two first half goals and hung on to defeat Keene State 2-1 and spoil the Owls' home opener on Tuesday night. 

Keene State took a 1-0 lead at the 18:07 mark of the first half when Molly Brunelle (Walpole, N.H.) finished off a lead pass from Breanne Lucey (Keene, N.H.). It was Brunelle's third goal in the last two games.

Smith scored a pair of goals to take a 2-1 it wouldn't relinquish. Dalyn Houser (Atlanta, Ga.) tied the game when she fired a shot from on top of the box past KSC freshman goalie Jen Johnson (Goshen, N.Y.). Brittoni Famous (Collegeville, Pa.) gave the Pioneers a 2-1 halftime lead when she put in a rebound off a deflected centering pass.

Tara Wagner (Avon, Conn.) had a chance to tie the game with 1:27 left to play in the half, but her direct kick hit off the cross bar.

KSC controlled play throughout the second half, but couldn't get the equalizer. Wagner had another opportunity to knot the score, but her shot from the left side just missed the far post.  Later in the half, Renee Halsey (Francestown, N.H.) was set up in from by Kendra Spencer (Petoskey, Mich.) but her shot was stopped with a diving save by Lauren Bachtel (Dublin, OH) with nine minutes to play. Minutes later Brunelle's attempt just came up shot and Lucey's rebound went wide.

Johnson, who had one save and Liz Rosen (Swanzey, N.H.) with three saves saw action in goal for KSC (3-2).  Bachtel stopped five shots for the Pioneers (2-1).

Keene State hosts Westfield State on Thursday night (6:30 p.m.).  Smith College returns home to face Skidmore College on Saturday (1 p.m.).