KEENE, N.H. 9/8/09 - The Keene State field hockey team (3-0) remains undefeated and has yet to allow a goal after posting a 3-0 non-conference victory over #19 ranked Springfield College at Owl Athletic Complex on Tuesday night.

The win avenged a 1-0 loss to the Pride in an opening-round NCAA Tournament game last year.

"We needed to come out and play well against a strong Springfield team," said KSC Coach Amy Watson. "It was nice to see all three lines playing so well."

"We usually have close games against Springfield," said senior Erin Dallas, who finished the game with a goal and an assist. "Beating a team of their caliber in just our third game is awesome."    

Keene State took a 1-0 lead at the 29:47 mark of the first half. On their second corner opportunity of the game, senior Carly Benning (Brewster, Mass.) deflected a shot by Dallas into the net. 

The Pride had a chance to tie the game with less than two minutes to play in the half, but KSC senior goalie Vikki Stoessel (Derry, N.H.) knocked away a close range shot by sophomore Alexa Carlson (New Milford, Conn.).

The Owls had a flurry in the closing seconds of play, but Springfield sophomore goalie Alison McCarthy (North Andover, Mass.) was up the challenge, stopping both bids by Benning. .  

Senior Morgan Rein (Mystic, Conn.) had an opportunity to get the equalizer for the Pride at the 20:53 mark of the second half when she broke in alone.  Her shot was stopped by Stoessel, who came out of the net to break down her angle.

The Owls once again capitalized on a corner play to take a 2-0 lead midway in the half.  Taking a crossing pass from senior Tara Murphy (Derry, N.H.), Dallas fired a shot into open side of the net for her first goal of the season.  "Our corners were really clicking tonight," said Dallas, the LEC defensive player of the week. 

Benning scored with 32 seconds to play to account for the final score.  It was her second goal of the game and team-leading sixth of the season for the LEC player of the week. "The offense is bringing the ball up the field really well." said Benning. "I just happen to be at the right place at the right time."

Senior goalie Vikki Stoessel, who finished the game with eight save for her second shutout of the season said the defense was the key.  "We have a whole new line-up in front of me, but they are just as strong as any other team we've had before, if not stronger."

Stoessel, who has yet to allow a goal in three games, was named the LEC goalie of the week.

McCarthy made eight saves for the Pride (2-1), who drop their first game of the season.

The Owls had a 15-11 lead in shots and a 9-4 advantage in corners.

Keene State hits the road for the first time this season when they travel to Western New England on Thursday.  Springfield returns home to face Middlebury on Tuesday Sept. 15.