KEENE, N.H. 9/17/11 – Playing its third game in the last five days the Keene State College women's field hockey team overcame a sluggish first half to post a 3-0 Little East Conference victory over Fitchburg State at Owl Athletic Complex on Saturday.

Keene State improves to 4-1 overall and remains undefeated (2-0) in the LEC.  Fitchburg falls to 3-3 (1-1 LEC).

"I think we're a little tied it was our third games this week but we stepped it up in the second half," said senior Elizabeth Coffin (Sugar Hill, N.H.), who scored the Owls' third goal.  

Senior Alyce Ferenc (Rumney, N.H.) gave KSC an early 1-0 when she found the back of the net just 5:27 into the game.  "It was like slow-motion to me. I was in the middle and drove it and luckily it went in," said Ferenc, who has scored four goals in the last two games.

The Owls tacked on two more goals in the second half.  Sophomore Aimee Donaruma made it 2-0 when she knocked in a shin-high pass out of the air from sophomore Katlyn Simula (Bridgewater, N.H.) for her first goal of the season.

Coffin concluded the scoring with just under three minutes to play on a corner play.  "I sent the ball to Kerry (Howe) and she got it right back to me. There was no one on me and I flicked it and it went right through the goalies' legs.  It wasn't pretty but I'll take it," said Coffin who is tied with Ferenc for the team lead with five goals.

KSC dominated play, especially in the second half.  The Owls outshot the Falcons 19-4 and had a 10-2 advantage in corners. 

KSC freshman goalie Caitlin Davino-Draper (Hanover, Mass.) needed to make just one save to post her second shutout of the season.  Senior Taylor Begin (Haverhill, Mass.) stopped five shots for Fitchburg State.

"It's huge because it's an LEC win," said KSC Coach Amy Watson.  "This week took its toll on us.  Fortunately, we had enough to finish. "

No rest for the weary. The Owls have a make-up game against Springfield College on Sunday (1 p.m.).