KSC Women's Soccer to Face Nationally Ranked Western Connecticut

KEENE, N.H. 09/15/06 - Keene State College begins Little East Conference play on Saturday, but it won’t be an ordinary opener for the Owl women’s soccer team.

The KSC women (4-2) jump right into the fire by hosting Western Conn. State University, which enters the 1 p.m. game not only undefeated (4-0), but ranked 17th nationally and third in the region.

“This game will have an impact on the rest of our season,” said KSC Coach Denise Lyons. “The fight starts right now.”

After having six different line-ups this season, Lyons appears to have found the right combination on the field. In Thursday’s 5-1 win over Westfield State, five Owls found the back of the net, including freshmen Molly Brunelle of Walpole, who leads the team in scoring with four goals and two assists.

“We have unbelievable depth this season,” Lyons said. Several of the freshmen are stepping up and competing for playing time.”

The Owls also have their share of veterans, including senior midfielder Tara Wagner, who enters the game one assists shy of Lyons’ career mark (31).

Western Conn, which boasts a win over national power Wheaton College, is led by Iona College transfer Catherine Nathans. The sophomore forward has scored six goals for the Colonials including game-winners against Clark and Wheaton.

The two teams have had their share of tussles over the years. Last season, they batted to a 1-1 regular season tie in Danbury. In the semifinals of the LEC tournament, KSC edged the Colonials 2-1 in double-overtime on a goal by Kathleen Keniston. The series is knotted at 6-6-3.

But Lyons and the Owls are more concern about the present and bringing the LEC tournament back to Keene. They could greatly help their chances with a win on Saturday. “We’re going to have to play to the top of our ability to beat them.” Lyons said.

Also on Saturday, the KSC field hockey team (3-2) will be looking to present coach Amy Watson with her 200th career win when they travel to Framingham State College for an 11 a.m. game. Off to its best start since joining Division III, the Keene State women’s volleyball team (8-3) will hosts a LEC tri-match with UMass-Dartmouth and Western Conn. at Spaulding Gym starting at noon.

The Keene State men’s soccer team (4-1) will have to wait a day to being its LEC slate. The Owls will be at Western Conn. on Sunday for a noon game.