FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – A strong middle two quarters that saw the Keene State College women's lacrosse team outscore Framingham State University 6-0 over the 30 minutes of action set the tone for the Owls to lock down the Rams for the 8-4 final.

Records

• Keene State: 4-5 (1-0 LEC)
• Framingham State: 3-5 (0-0 MASCAC)

How it Happened


Framingham State got on the board early in the contest with a goal just 2:07 into the action for the lead thanks to the help of Isabella DiMare making a pair of early saves for FSU. Both teams traded possessions back-and-forth through the rest of the opening quarter before the Rams capitalized on a yellow card to KSC just eight seconds into the opportunity as Jenna James put the Rams ahead by two with 1:38 remaining in the first. It did not take long for the Owls to answer back as Helen Baxter assisted Hayden Smith for her first goal of the game 39 seconds later to half the Rams' lead heading into the second quarter.
 
After the goal at the end of the first quarter, the Owls' attack clicked early in the second quarter with Tess Brown assisting Smith's second goal of the game to tie the contest up just a minute and 37 seconds into the second quarter. KSC capitalized on their second man-up opportunity, just as FSU did at the end of the first, with another goal to take the lead 52 seconds later as Brown added another assist on Riley Devine's go-ahead goal. Neither team found the back of the net for over 10 minutes as KSC killed off three cards over the span, while FSU killed off two of their own before KSC tallied another goal before the half. With 1:55 remaining in the half Anna Maccarini doubled up the Owls' lead with a goal to put KSC ahead 4-2 heading into halftime.
 
The third quarter went the same way for the Owls as the second did as KSC outscored FSU 3-0 over the 15 minutes in the quarter. After her two assists early in the game, Brown scored the opening goal of the third for KSC, 4:58 into the quarter. 100 seconds later Brown added goal number two of the day with Lola Varricchione picking up her first point of the game on an assist. It did not take long for Varricchione to add point number two as she scored a free position goal a couple minutes later to put KSC ahead 7-2 with 4:55 remaining in the quarter. The rest of the third DiMare made another save, her fourth of the quarter, on a free position shot to limit KSC's lead to five heading into the fourth.
 
FSU ended the seven consecutive goals for the Owls with a goal 1:42 into the final quarter as they tried to start to mount a comeback attempt. The Owls did not let the Rams get too close the rest of the way as Varricchione assisted Smith to halt the FSU's momentum with a man-up goal with 7:31 remaining. 53 seconds later the Rams answered back with a goal, but it was not enough as it was their last goal of the game and the Owls locked down the Rams the rest of the day with Katelyn Nicotera making the final save late in the game for the 8-4 victory.
 
"The game-plan was executed to perfection. We knew what to do defensively and our offense was able to click when we needed it," said Owls' head coach Travis Wyant. "We are putting together some of the best defensive performances I have seen in my time here at Keene. That unit has so much pride and gives so much effort — it's contagious."
 
Inside the Crease

• With the win KSC improves to 1-3 in the all-time series against Framingham State, picking up the first win in the series against the Rams.
• Brown led the Owls' attack with a game-high four points coming from two goals and two assists.
• Smith and Varricchione were close behind with three points apiece as Smith recorded a game-high three goals and Varricchione scored a goal to go with her two assists.
• Reigning LEC Goalkeeper of the Week Nicotera made three saves in goal for the Owls in the win.
• Devine finished with a game-high three caused turnovers, while also tying Brianna Hodgman with a game-high four ground balls apiece.
• KSC had one of their better games on clears in the win as KSC went 13-for-15 (86.7%), while holding FSU to going 15-for-24 (62.5).

 
Up Next


Keene State hits the road for their next contest as the Owls round out their five consecutive road games on Wednesday, March 1, at 6:00 PM at Worcester State University.
Framingham State returns to conference play in their next game as they travel to take on Westfield State University in their next matchup on Saturday, March 28, at 6:00 PM.