NEW BRUNSWICK, MAINE 11/12/11- Bowdoin College demonstrated why it's the defending national champs and top ranked field hockey team in Division III on Saturday, defeating Keene State College 4-0 in a NCAA Tournament  second-round game at Ryan Field in Brunswick, Maine. 

Advancing to the second-round for the first time in the program's Division III history, the Owls (20-5) were on their heels throughout the first half, trying to withstand the Polar Bear's constant offensive pressure.  It was nice beating Endicott, but we got thrown to the wolves having to play the top-ranked team in the second-round," said KSC Coach Amy Watson. "Things might have been different if we were in the other semifinal game."

 MIT defeated Denison of Ohio 4-1 in the second semifinal game and will play Bowdoin on Sunday for the right to advance to the national semifinals at Nichols College in Dudley, Mass. next weekend.

The Polar Bears (18-0), who have the longest overall win streak in Division III (25, dating back to last year and have won a record 13 consecutive NCAA Tournament games, did most of their damage during an eight minute span midway in the first half when they scored three goals.

Senior Katie Herter's rebound shot just got past the outstretched pad of KSC freshman goalie Caitlin Davino-Draper (Hanover, Mass.) to give Bowdoin a 1-0 lead at the 10:39 mark.  The Polar Bears struck again three minutes later on one of the 10 penalty corners the team was awarded in the game.  Junior Cathleen Smith was credited with the goal. "They executed their corners very well," said Watson.  They're strong team from top to bottom and have excellent technical skills." 

Bowdoin's third goal was scored by Herter on penalty stroke after a KSC player was whistled for hooking one of the Polar Bears' sticks. 

Senior Elizabeth Clegg netted Bowdoin's final goal early in the second half on another penalty corner. 

Keene State's defense did a good job keeping the powerful Polar Bears off the board the rest of the way.  "They obviously had plenty of opportunities and corners, but I was happy how we got the ball out of our circle," said KSC senior back Kerry Howe, who had a defensive save in the game.  "The score might not necessary show it, but I thought we held our own defensively."

The Owls had limited scoring opportunities in the game.  They had a few breaks outs in the first half and a lone corner opportunity in the second period.  Senior Elizabeth Coffin (Sugar Hill, N.H.) had Keene State only shot in the game.  "I saw a player coming at me and had to shoot fast," she said.   

"I thought we'd be able to get an opportunity or two more offensively, but my major concern was our defense," said Watson. 

Playing in her first NCAA game, Davino-Draper had 12 saves.  "I'm going to take a lot from this game and come back a better player," she said. 

Kayla Lessard finished the game with one save for the Polar Bears. 

Despite the loss, Keene State players were pleased with their effort. "I don't think anyone on our team is upset about how we played," said Howe. 

"I couldn't ask for a better team to play with and end my season and career," said Coffin. "It was an honor to make it this far.  I'm going to miss it a lot, but couldn't ask for a better way to go out."