KEENE, N.H.  11/1/08 - Western Connecticut State University earned a share of the Little East Conference regular season championship with a 2-0 shutout victory over host Keene State College on Saturday. The Colonials will share the title with Eastern Conn, which defeated UMass-Dartmouth 3-1.

Junior midfielder Nicole Sieber (Newtown, Conn.) and sophomore forward Jillian Duran (Uncasville, Conn.) netted second half goals for the Colonials (13-3-1, 6-0-1 LEC).

The Owls (14-6, 5-2 LEC) will be the third seed in the upcoming LEC tournament and host rival Plymouth State in a quarterfinal game on Tuesday (6 p.m.)  Western Conn. earned the top seed and a first round bye.

Most of the first half was played in the Keene State portion of the field, The Colonials best opportunity came on a close range shot by junior midfielder Angela  Wozniak (Ludlow, Mass.) that was knocked away by Owl junior goalie Samantha Hirsh (Holliston, Mass.).

WCSU kept the pressure on in the second half.  Hirsh made a diving save on a bid by Sieber. Minutes later, Sieber didn't miss her next opportunity.  Her shot from the top of the box went into the far corner of the net at the 55:48 mark to give the Colonials a 1-0 lead. It was Sieber's fifth goal of the season.  

KSC junior midfielder Molly Brunelle (Walpole, N.H.) had an opportunity to tie the game, but her bid from the right side sailed just wide of the net at the 25:58 mark.

The Colonials scored an insurance goal at the 82:58 mark. Junior back Domonique Pascascio (Hamden, Conn.) served the ball in the box and freshman forward Jillian Duran (Uncasville, Conn.) knocked in a rebound for her fourth goal of the season.

WCSU outshot the Owls 18-4.

Hirsh had seven saves while Colonial goalie Shannon Cawley (Willimantic, Conn.) stopped one shot to register her 11th shutout of the season.

Prior to the game KSC seniors Michelle Boland (Worcester, Mass.), Sarah McDougle (Walpole, N.H.). and team manager Kaitlin O'Malley (Watertown, Mass.) were honored during senior day festivities.