KEENE, N.H. 10/27/09 - Sophomore Jackie Benson (Hampstead, N.H.) and senior Carly Benning (Brewster, Mass.) scored goals in Keene State's non-conference field hockey victory over in-state rival New England College on Tuesday night.

Winners of four straight, Keene State improves to 14-4.  The Pilgrims, coached by former Owl Susan Murray, fall to 11-7.

Both teams had quality scoring chances in the early going.  Senior Khatianna Evans (Wane, Me.) let go a rocket that was blocked by Keene State senor goalie Vikki Stoessel (Derry, N.H.).

The Owls had a couple of breakaway bids by Benning and sophomore Aislynn Sherry (Rehoboth, Mass.).  NEC defenders were able to get back into the play and prevent a shot on net.

Benson gave the Owls a 1-0 at the 25:27 mark when she deflected a shot by Sherry past Pilgrim junior goalie Mary Roux (Auburn, Mass.). it was Benson's seventh goal of the season.

The Owls had a chance to extend their lead early in the second half, but NEC junior Kate Carnaroli (Bellingham, Mass.) knocked a shot by Benson away with a defensive save. Minutes later, Roux came out and stopped a close-range shot by Sherry.

Benning gave Keene State a 2-0 lead with her conference-leading 19th goal of the season.  Junior Chelsea Blackmer (Boylston, Mass.) set up the goal with a lead pass from just outside the circle.

Stoessel finished the game with five saves to pick up her ninth shutout of the season and the 17th of her career.  Roux had a busy net in goal for the Pilgrims, stopping 15 shots.

Stoessel said the team had to make some defensive adjustments with Erin Dallas (Marlow, N.H.) out of the line-up. "Once we got everybody in the right place, we were able to put it together." she said.

"We're beat up and trying to piece it together," said KSC Coach Amy Watson.  "We did what we had to do in the second half to get the win."

Keene State outshot NEC 29-8. Both teams had seven corners.

Both teams have non-conference games on Thursday, Keene State hosts Smith College and New England College entertains Southern Maine.