KEENE, N.H. - The Keene State College women's lacrosse team defeated Plymouth State University for the first time Thursday evening, rolling over their rivals 20-6 at Owl Athletic Complex.

            Since becoming a varsity program in 1998, KSC had lost 15 consecutive games to Plymouth State. The Owls are now 6-4 overall and 2-0 in conference play this season, while PSU drops to 1-5 and 1-2.  The game was moved to Keene due to unplayable field conditions at Plymouth.

            Keene State scored the first six goals of the game, including two each from senior Michelle Mazzotta (Cromwell, Conn.) and freshman Jill Kirk (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.) on the way to building a commanding 12-3 halftime lead.  The Owls never let the Panthers get back into the game, netting the first two goals of the second half to go up 14-3.

            Kirk scored a season-high six goals to lead KSC, which tied its season high for goals. The freshman leads KSC in scoring with 25 goals and 33 points. Mazzotta had an eight point game with five goals and three assists.  Several freshmen also found the back of the net, Jenny Lillis (West Islip, N.Y.) had three goals and Lauren Sawyer (Westbrook, Me.) scored twice.  Kellie Olson (Spofford, N.H.), Emily Persano (Somers, Conn.), Jamie Albert (Southington, Conn.) chipped in with one goal each.

            Sophomores Taylor Cambal (West Yarmouth, Mass.) and Kalie Judd (Peabody, Mass.) scored two goals each to lead Plymouth State.  Classmate Kerry D'Ambroise (Lowell, Mass.) and freshman Michaela Rice (Weirs Beach, N.H.) added single goals.

            Jen Gearing (Westfield, Mass.) finished the game with five saves for the Owls.  Senior Sarah Beebe (Rumson, N.J.) stopped 13 shots for PSU.            

            Both teams return to action on Saturday in 1 p.m. conference games;  Keene State hosts Western Conn. and Plymouth State travels to Rhode Island College. 

(Courtesy of Keene State Sports Information) 

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