BOSTON, MASS. 1/6/2007 - Sarah Begnoche (Millville, Mass.) scored a game-high 18 points and Bri Barnes (Merrimack, N.H.) finished with 17 points, including five three-pointers, and six assists to lead the Keene State College women's basketball team to a 77-56 Little East Conference victory over UMass-Boston at the Clark Athletic Center on Saturday.

With the win, Keene State (8-3, 3-0 LEC) snapped a two game losing streak and remain undefeated in conference play.

The Owls used a 10 point run midway in the fist half to open up a 12 point lead (34-22) at the 7:36 mark.   Michele Boudreau (Readsboro, Vt.) and Kristin Degou (Newbury port, Mass.) connected on three-point shots during the run which was capped by a lay-up by Nicole Simmler (Oxford, Mass.).

Leading 42-34 at the half, KSC extended its lead to 20 points (61-41) on consecutive lay-ups by Simmler and Begnoche. 

"We had a pair of tough losses, so it was nice to pick-up the conference win today," said KSC Coach Keith Boucher.  "We executed well inside and did a good job extending our lead in the second half."

"Sarah had her usual strong game and it was nice to see Bri snap back and have a good performance," added Boucher.  "We also got a good contribution from some of our young players."

"I've had a rough stretch and needed to get my act together," Barnes said.  "It was a good conference win for us."

Degou had 11 points and seven rebounds and Simmler finished with eight points for KSC, who hit nine of 18 shots from behind the arc. Freshman Jen Cleaveland (Newington, Conn.) also had seven points and seven rebounds. 

Caroline Ash led the Beacons (5-6, 1-2 LEC) with 12 points.  The Owls held UMB top scorer LeKiesha Tucker (13.5 ppg.)to just seven points.

The Owls return to LEC play on Tuesday when they host Western Conn. (5:30 p.m.).