KEENE, N.H. 4/10/07 - Not only did the Keene State women's lacrosse team defeat Plymouth State for the first time, but did it in convincing fashion, rolling over their rivals 20-6 at Owl Athletic Complex on Thursday evening.

            Since becoming a varsity program in 1998, KSC has lost 15 consecutive games to PSC. The Owls, especially the team's four seniors, savored the moment. 

            "I'm so happy I could be a part of it," said senior attack Lanaya Nelson (Chester, Conn.). "We have great team chemistry this year.  We're all doing it for each other."

            "It's a goal I had since freshman year and it feels awesome to finally beat them," said senior midfielder Andrea Mitchell (Bow, N.H.). "We've been waiting for this game all season."

            "I knew we'd finally beat them. It just took a little long than I thought," said Merrill Simone (West Hartford, Conn.), a senior defender.  We're a whole new team." 

            Former Owl player and now coach Michelle Mason said her team rose to the occasion.  "This was a huge team effort," she said.  I think the players realized we have a strong team.  I knew we would come out flying."

            Keene State scored the first six goals of the game, including two each from senior Michelle Mazzotta (Cromwell, Conn.) and freshman Jill Kirk (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.) on the way to building a commanding 12-3 halftime lead.  The Owls never let     the Panthers get back into the game, netting the first two goals of the second half to go up 14-3.

            Kirk scored a season high six goals to lead KSC, which tied its season high for goals. The freshman leads KSC in scoring with 25 goals and 33 points. Mazzotta had an eight point game with five goals and three assists.  Several freshmen also found the back of the net, Jenny Lillis (West Islip, N.Y.) had three goals and Lauren Sawyer (Westbrook, Me.) scored twice.  Kellie Olson (Spofford, N.H.), Emily Persano (Somers, Conn.), Jamie Albert (Southington, Conn.) chipped in with one goal each. 

            Taylor Cambal (West Yarmouth, Mass.) and Kalie Judd (Peabody, Mass.) had two goals each to lead Plymouth State (1-5, 1-2 LEC).  Kerry D'Ambroise (Lowell, Mass.) and Michaela Rice (Weirs Beach, N.H.) added single goals.

            Jen Gearing (Westfield, Mass.) finished the game with five saves for the Owls.  Sarah Beebe (Rumson, N.J.) stopped 13 shots for PSU.

            The game was moved to Keene due to unplayable field conditions at Plymouth.

            Both teams return to action on Saturday in 1 p.m. games. Winners of three straight, Keene State (6-4, 2-0 LEC), hosts Western Conn. Plymouth State travels to Rhode Island College.