KEENE, N.H. 9/2/09 - Sophomore midfielder Tara Nathan (Bethel, Conn.) and junior forward Katie Bradford (Lebanon, N.H.) each had two goals to lead the Keene State College women's soccer team to a season opening 5-0 shutout win over in-state rival New England College at Owl Athletic Complex on Wednesday night.

            Pressuring the Pilgrims from the opening whistle, the Owls scored the first goal of the game when Nathan took a crossing pass from senior forward Molly Brunelle (Walpole, N.H.) and tapped the ball in the corner of the net at the 11:25 mark.

            Brunelle had a chance to extend the Owls lead, but her shot from just outside the box was tipped over the cross bar by NEC senior goalie Kerry Hughes (Wallkill, N.Y.).

            The Owls scored a pair of goals 48 seconds apart to up their lead to 3-0.  Picking up a loose ball in the crease, Nathan dribbled in and scored her second of the game at 24:01.

            "I had a few pre-games nerves at the start of the game, but I was able to relax and put a couple in the net," said Nathan, who was making her first college start. 

            "We made the decision in Europe to move Tara to center midfield and put her in the starting line-up," said KSC Coach Denise Lyons. "She's much better facing the ball and has a great shot"

            Bradford, who led the LEC in scoring last season, got her first goal of the season moments later on a corner ball. Bradford one-timed a crossing ball from freshman midfielder Elise Bolster (Narragansett, R.I.),

            A bid in the closing seconds of the first half by sophomore midfielder Britini Watkinson (Rochester, N.H.) was tuned aside on a fingertip save by Hughes.

            Bradford netted her second goal of the game at the 49:07 mark of the second half to make 4-0. Brunelle assisted on the goal with a crossing ball.  Sophomore back Bridget Hennessey (Essex Junction, Vt.) completed the scoring with a free shot goal for 30-yards out with four minutes to play.

            Lyons said she was happy to get so many of her young players into the game.  "We're trying to get them used to playing together," she said.  "Being in Europe was wonderful, but we lost some practice time, so we're just trying to get everybody on the same page."

            Sophomore Megan Dempsey (East Weymouth, Mass.) and senior Samantha Hirsh (Holliston, Mass.) each played a half and goal and didn't register a save in the combined shutout.

            Hughes had a busy night in goal for the Pilgrims, finishing with 15 saves.

            The Owls dominated play and held a 45-0 shot advantage.

            Keene State heads to Maine for the Husson College tournament this weekend.  NEC travels to Plymouth State on Saturday.