Field Hockey Holds Off Keene State, 2-1

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University field hockey team posted a 2-1 victory over Little East Conference rival Keene State College on Saturday afternoon at Swenson Field.

Bridgewater (3-4, 2-1 LEC) snapped a five-game losing streak versus the Owls (7-2, 2-1 LEC).  The last time the Bears defeated Keene State was a 1-0 home victory back in 2005.

Sophomore midfielder Katelyn Taylor (West Bridgewater, Mass.) opened the scoring early for the Bears as she converted a penalty stroke just 48 seconds into the contest.

Bridgewater increased the advantage to 2-0 in the 23rd minute.  Senior forward Bethany Bush (Littleton, Mass.) hit a cross to classmate Nicole Henrique (Swansea, Mass.) who buried a shot past the Keene State netminder.  The goal was the team-leading seventh of the season for Henrique, while Bush upped her point scoring streak to six games with the assist.

Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the Owls were finally able to get on the board in the 40th minute of play when junior defender Kerry Howe (Atlantic Highlands, N.J.) corralled a rebound and fired a shot into the back of the net.

Keene State pressured the Bears throughout the rest of the half but could not convert the tying goal.  The Owls were awarded a penalty stroke with 14 minutes left to play, but the shot attempt by freshman defender Katlyn Simula (Bridgewater, N.H.) was pushed wide right of the net.

Bridgewater State was able to hold on for the victory despite being outshot by a margin of 23-7. Senior goaltender Katie Weber (Arlington, MA) was spectacular between the pipes for the Bears as she finished with a season-high 11 saves.  Bridgewater also received a pair of defensive saves by junior defender Ashley Caouette (Blackstone, Mass.).

Junior goaltender Meghan Ledoux (Standish, Maine) recorded three stops for the Owls.

The Bears will host Salem State in a Little East matchup on Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 PM.  Keene hosts conference foe Westfield State on Wednesday night at 6:00 PM.