KEENE, N.H. 10/17/09 -The Keene State College women's soccer team took a major step in capturing its first Little East regular season championship since 2004 and securing home field in the upcoming conference tournament with a 4-0 shutout victory over UMass-Boston at Owl Athletic Complex on Saturday.

Keene State (11-3-1, 5-0 LEC) remains undefeated in conference play while UMass-Boston (9-3-1, 3-1-1), coached by former Owl All-American and assistant Amy Zombeck  saw its school record nine game unbeaten streak come to an end. 

The Owls scored all four of their goals in the first half.  Junior Katie Bradford (Lebanon, N.H.) netted a pair, her team-leading ninth and 10th of the season and added an assist.  Sophomore Tara Nathan (Bethel, Conn.) and Joan Hamel (Weare, N.H.) also found the back of the net.

Maintaining pressure in the UMass-Boston side of the field from the opening whistle, Bradford struck for two  quick goals in a span of two and a half minutes.  Sophomore midfielder Leah Teter (Granville, Mass.) set up the first goal with a lead pass at the 18:55 mark.  The second goal was a duplicate play, except for senior Kendra Spencer (Petoskey, Mich.), who sent the ball into the box.

"I think we were still on a high from Middlebury and came out strong," said Bradford.  "I was on the receiving end of a couple of great through balls.  You can't ask for anything better than that."

"UMass-Boston has been improving every year and we didn't take them lightly today," Bradford said. 

The Owls didn't let-up.  Senior Molly Brunelle (Walpole, N.H.) and Hamel had drives that hit off the post and crossbar respectively and Beacon junior goalie Michelle Cain (Essex, Mass.) made consecutive saves off the foot of Bradford and Hamel.

Keene State extended its lead to 3-0 on a corner play with Nathan heading home a corner kick from Bradford at 36:03. Hamel concluded the first half explosion when she converted a crossing ball from Nathan at the 43:11 mark. It was Hamel's second goal in two games.

The Beacons best opportunity to get on the board came early in the second half.  Junior Tina Gillen (Carver, Mass.) had a free kick just outside the box that was handled by KSC sophomore goalie Megan Dempsey (East Weymouth, Mass.).   Minutes later, senior Kristie Morales (San Francisco, Ca.) broke in alone, but Dempsey came out of the net and smothered her bid.

Senior Jessica Pentra (Revere, Mass.), who took over in goal for Cain in the second half, had several sparkling saves. Her best came at the midway point of the half when she went up and deflected a shot by sophomore Nora Mahoney (Belchertown, Mass.) over the crossbar.

Dempsey and senior Samantha Hirsh (Holliston, Mass.) combined on KSC's eighth shutout of the season. Dempsey played the first 74 minutes, stopping four shots while Hirsh made one save over the final 16 minutes.

Caine had six first half saves for the Beacons.  Penta stopped four Owl shots in the second half.

The Owls outshot UMB 19-5, including 15-1 in the first half.   KSC also led in corners 6-1.

"I thought we set the tempo from the start and put the game away early," said KSC Coach Denise Lyons.  "Right now we're in the driver's seat. How far this team wants to go depends on how hard they want to work."

Keene State has won all 13 meetings between the two teams, outscoring the Beacons 72-2 in that span.

Keene State has little time to savior it wins. They host #19 Amherst College on Monday.  UMass-Boston entertains Mass. Maritime on Tuesday.