NORTHAMPTON, MASS.10/30/08 - The Keene State field hockey team improved its record to 15-4 with a 3-1 non-conference victory over Smith College on Thursday night. 

Forwards Carly Benning (Brewster, MA) and Elizabeth Rand (Peterborough, NH) scored within just over a minute of each other in the second half of action as KSC picked up its ninth victory in its last 10 games. Smith falls to 7-10.

The Smith defense held Keene State scoreless in the first half with goalkeeper Courtney Murphy (Northampton, MA) making seven saves.  The Pioneers scored the first goal of the game just over two minutes into the second half when Mary Kate Long (Boylston, MA) took a free hit and found Sarah Knowles (North Kingstown, RI) who deflected the ball into the goal.

Benning tied the game less than two minutes later after receiving a pass from Erin Dallas (Marlow, NH) and Rand scored the game winner a minute following converting a cross from Tara Murphy (Salisbury, NH). Jacki Benson (Hampstead, NH) tallied an insurance goal in the 51st minute as she lifted the ball from the right side of the goal into the left corner.

Murphy had an outstanding game making 12 saves in the loss while Vikki Stoessel (Derry, NH) made two saves for the Owls.

Keene State concludes its regualr season at Umass-Dartmouth on Saturday (1 p.m.).

(Courtesy Smith Sports Information)