Springfield, Mass. -- Sept. 5, 2012 – Senior Kalin Billert scored three times, her second consecutive hat trick, to lead her Keene State field hockey team to a 3-1 victory over Springfield College tonight at warm and muggy Amos Alonzo Stagg Field. Keene State improves to 2-0.  It was SC's (2-1) first loss of the season.

It was a fairly even contest until the Owls scored twice in lightning-quick fashion midway through the first half. Billert, a senior forward from Centre Conway, N.H., found the back of the net with 17:07 left in the first stanza. The goal was unassisted.

Just 28 seconds later, Billert struck again, this time assisted by sophomore forward Marisa Lemoine (Berlin, N.H.). That goal came with 16:39 left in the half. It was 2-0, Owls at the intermission.

Whatever chance the Pride had was quickly diminished at the start of the second period. Billert scored just two minutes and eight seconds in to tally her hat trick. The goal was unassisted. For Billert, it was her sixth goal in two games, and her second straight hat trick.

"It's a new group of girls out there and we're starting to put it together," said Billert.  "I'm one of the returning players, so I knew I had to step up my game."

"Kalin has always been good in front of the net," said KSC Coach Amy Watson. "So far, so good.  She's taking advantage of her chances."

Springfield certainly had its chances throughout the contest, and finally scored with 14:29 left in the game. Junior defender MK Murray (Killingworth, Conn.) scored the unassisted goal.

For Keene State, Caitlin Davino-Draper (Hanover, Mass.) recorded six saves in goal. For SC, freshman Timarie Villa (Mashpee, Mass.) also had six saves.

Springfield had the edge in penalty corners, 18-11. SC also had the edge in shots, 18-10.

The Owls play their first LEC game of the season on Friday when they visit Bridgewater state (7 p.m.).

(Courtesy SC Sports Information)