Box Score

KEENE, N.H. -- Brittney Cardente scored with 43 seconds remaining to break a 1-all tie, giving the Keene State Owls a hard-fought 2-1 win over University of New England in a field hockey mutual season-opener Saturday afternoon (Aug. 30) at the Owl Athletic Complex.

The meeting was the first for the Nor'easters versus Keene State, which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championship a year ago.

Senior Erin Bibber got the Nor'easters on the scoreboard just inside the 20-minute mark, converting a feed from sophomore Nicole Matarozzo.

Kayla Renaud drew the Owls even 27:43 into the frame, converting on a penalty corner. Cardente was credited with an assist on the play.

Each team had their chances in the final 10 minutes of regulation before Cardente gave the hosts the victory, taking a feed from Renaud and blasting a shot past UNE sophomore goalkeeper Holly Smith.

The Owls, who led in shots (24-6) and penalty corners (10-1), got three saves from winning goalkeeper Shauna Whittemore.

Smith had a strong afternoon defending the cage for the Nor'easters, racking up a total of 15 stops.

UNE will look to square its record Wednesday (Sept. 3) when Husson University comes to Biddeford for a 6 p.m. non-conference game.