KEENE, N.H. 9/1/10 – The Keene State College women's soccer team overcame a slow start and unseasonably warm temperatures to post an opening season 3-0 shutout victory over Johnson & Wales University at steamy Owl Athletic Complex on Wednesday night.

Following a scoreless first half, Keene State goalie Megan Dempsey (East Weymouth, Mass.) kept the Wildcats off the board when she came way out of her net to stop a breakaway attempt by Samantha Reynolds (Plymouth, Mass.) five minutes into the second period. "I just tried to come out as far as I could and cut down the angle and make the save," said Dempsey, who notched her 10th shutout of her career.  "It was great getting a shutout in the first game.  Our defense played real well in front of me." 

Two newcomers, freshman Kristen Huckins (Westmoreland, N.H.) and Erin Griffin (Londonderry, N.H.), a sophomore transfer from St. Anselm, scored the Owls' first two goals.  Huckins' drive from 25-yards out was mishandled by Wildcat goalie Jennifer Hurley.

"I didn't come out as strong as I'd like too, but in the second half I thought I did a lot better," said Huckins.  And scoring made it a special first college game."

Griffin scored 10 minutes later on a header.  "Katie Bradford set it up and I was at the right place at the right time."

Senior Nora Mahoney (Belchertown, Mass.) scored the final KSC goal on a rebound at the 68:24 mark.

Keene State had a wide advantage in shots (20-8) and corner kicks (10-0)

Dempsey finished the game with six saves.  Hurley stopped eight shots for JWU.

The Owls have won 10 consecutive season opening games, dating back to 2001.

Keene State faces Cortland State on Saturday at the RIT tournament.  Johnson & Wales hosts R.I. College on Saturday.