It didn’t take long for Keene State College’s field hockey team to strike in their NCAA opening-round victory against Husson University. However, the Owls season came to a close on Saturday, November 14, with a loss to Bowdoin College in the second round of the tournament.
The Owls wasted no time against Husson as junior Kayla Renaud scored her ninth goal of the season exactly one minute into the contest. That was all the offense the Owls would need as they battled their way to a 1-0 victory on November 11 at the Owl Athletic Complex.
Owls Head Coach Amy Watson said she was happy the Owls struck as early as they did, “I’m glad we scored that goal early. We went back and forth a lot. I thought both teams had some good opportunities,” Watson said.
The first round game was back and forth at times with Keene State outshooting Husson in the first half nine to five. In the second half the Owls outshot the Eagles ten to five. The Owls also had the edge in penalty corners ten to six.
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The Owls made two defensive saves in the victory and Watson was pleased with the playing of her four key defenders. Watson praised the defense in the opening round victory. “They all stepped up at different points of the game,” Watson said.
Watson also spoke of the goaltenders’ efforts for both teams, as both goaltenders made some key saves. Owls senior goalkeeper finished with four saves and Husson’s goalkeeper Anne Marie Provencal finished with 12 saves on the night.
“Both of them made some key saves. Both teams had great opportunities and their goalies kept them from scoring. It was a well played game,” Watson said.
Second Round Contest:
The Owls season came to end however, on Saturday, November 14 the Owls fell to number one ranked. The Polar Bears defeated the Owls 5-1. The lone Keene State goal of the game came off the stick of Sami Smith. The goal was her twenty-fifth of the season.
According to Keeneowls.com, Keene State was outshot 30 to two and Bowdoin held the edge in penalty corners 12 to one. Dwyer finished the day with 15 saves in her final collegiate game and allowed four goals. Owls first year goalkeeper Gwendolyn Thayer made one save on two shots on goal and allowed one goal.
Brian can be contacted at bclemmenson@kscequinox.com