EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. 9/1/2011 – Junior forward Joan Hamel (Weare, N.H.) scored the lone goal of the game, as the Keene State College women's soccer team edged the Johnson and Wales Wildcats 1-0 at the Pierce Stadium Recreational Complex on Thursday night.

"This is not how I would have drawn it up," said KSC head coach Denise Lyons. "We have a lot of new players and a lot to learn, but to have our young team come away with the win on the road in the first game of the year makes me happy."

Hamel's first goal of 2011 came at the 15:45 mark in the first half off a rebounded shot from freshman forward Kelly Burrell (Cumberland, Maine) for her first career point in an Owls uniform. Hamel's game-winner was the second of her career, with the first happening last season against Bridgewater State on October 27th.

In net for the Owls, senior goaltender Megan Dempsey (East Weymouth, Mass.) made four saves, three of which came in the first half, for her first shutout and victory of the year and 19th shutout of her career.

Wildcat goalie Kara Collins finished the game with one goal allowed and six saves in the losing effort.

The Owls return to action Wednesday, September 7th, as they will travel to Westfield State for a 7 p.m. start. Johnson and Wales plays next this Sunday, with a home contest against Castleton State at 1 p.m.