PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Junior
Taylor Healey (Campton, N.H.) gave fifth-seeded Plymouth State University an early lead in record-breaking fashion, but fourth-seeded Keene State College rallied with four unanswered goals to top the Panthers, 4-1, in the quarterfinal round of the Little East Conference (LEC) Tournament at the Owl Athletic Complex on Tuesday night.
Healey's goal just 2:55 into the game gave her 60 points on the season to snap PSU's single season scoring record, but the Owls answered back only a few minutes later to tie things at 1-1 after the first quarter.
PSU came roaring back in the second quarter but was unable to get a good look at any scoring opportunities as the Owls' defense cleared all dangerous attempts PSU could muster. The hosts scored two goals in the second stanza just over five minutes apart, taking a 3-1 lead into halftime.
Plymouth State had another early chance in the third quarter, but the loose ball eluded Healey's stick and just 4:13 into the frame the Owls struck again to take a commanding 4-1 lead. PSU kept pressuring with multiple penalty corner opportunities, but the Keene State defense stopped the Panthers in their path.
Healey's goal was her 26th of the campaign, good for the third-most in a season in program history.
The game marked the final contest behind the PSU bench for head coach
Bonnie Lord, who has been at the held since the 2000 season. She finishes her career with 274 wins, not only the most in program history, but the fourth-most of any Plymouth State head coach in the nearly century-long history of Panthers' athletics.
Plymouth State ends its season with an 11-6 record, the most wins since the 2017 season, while Keene State improves to 11-9 and advances to Thursday's semifinal round.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 1, Keene State 4
- Plymouth State (11-6)
- Keene State (11-9)
How it Happened:
- Healey scored in the first quarter to give the Panthers an early lead.
- The hosts evened the score later in the frame and the game remained tied through the end of the first quarter.
- The Panthers nearly pulled ahead again, but the Keene State goalie made a great save to preserve the tie.
- KSC pulled ahead with two quick strikes in the second quarter coming just over five minutes apart.
- The Owls maintained the 3-1 lead at halftime.
- PSU put the pressure on early in the third quarter, but a loose ball eluded Healey's stick.
- Keene State added an insurance marker at the 4:13 mark of the third quarter to extend the lead to 4-1.
- The Panthers continued to pressure, but each chance was knocked away by the Keene State defense.
By the Numbers:
- Healey's goal moved her into first place in program history for points in a season with 60.
- Her 26 goals this year are the third most in a single season.
- PSU's 11-6 final record is the best since the 2017 campaign when the Panthers went 12-6.
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