KEENE, N.H. 10/2/07 - Karen Robinson's (Phillipston, Mass.) goal  at the 23:28 mark of the first half was the difference as Keene State fought off a challenge from rival Plymouth State University to post a 1-0 shutout Little East Conference field hockey victory at Owl Athletic Complex on Tuesday night.

On a corner play, Robinson one-timed a low hard drive from the top of the box past Panther goalie Leah Curtin (Londonderry, N.H.) for the game-winner. It was Robinson's second goal of the season.

KSC had an opportunity to extend its lead early in the second half, but Carly Benning  (Brewster, Mass.) misfired on a crossing ball from Marissa Boccaccio (Lyme, Conn.). 

The Panthers pressed to get the equalizer late in the game.  Their best chance came on a shot by Amanda Sherburne (Rumney, N.H.) that was stopped by KSC goalie Jennifer McDougall (Avon, Conn.) with 3:42 to play.

McDougall finished with five saves for her third shutout of the season.  Curtin stopped seven shots for the Panthers (4-5, 4-2 LEC), who saw their three game LEC winning streak come to an end.

Winners of five straight, the Owls (8-3, 5-1 LEC), the defending LEC champs, move into sole possession of second place in the conference.

KSC is at 11th ranked Middlebury College on Thursday (4 p.m.).  PSU returns home to face Westfield State on Saturday (3 p.m.).