Statistics

KEENE, N.H. -- Tess Brown scored eight times and Haile Ratajack added four more to lead Keene State College past the University of New England, 19-8, as the 2024 women's lacrosse season began for both squads on Friday (Feb. 23) at the Owl Athletic Complex.

After four lead-changes during the first half, the hosts pulled away with 11 of the 13 goals over the final 30 minutes.

Brown was efficient in the offense for KSC, reaching her goal total on 10 shot attempts. Ratajack finished with six points, 11 caused turnovers, six ground balls, and four draw controls. Mindy St. Marie contributed three goals and six draw controls. Mabelle Bessette posted three saves.

The Nor'easters received two goals apiece from Sydney Balotin, Nicole DePodesta, and Molly Henderson, and one each out of Paige DeVries and Emma Collingwood. Balotin possessed four draws, and her two caused turnovers were matched by DeVries, Elizabeth Guertin, and Kaylee Lucas. Lucas and Guertin tallied four and three ground balls, respectively. Jenna Trafford recorded seven stops defending the cage.

UNE found the back of the net five times over the initial 20 minutes to edge in front at 5-4, but four of the last five before the break went for Keene State to take an 8-6 advantage. Chase Gengras netted her pair of goals in the 2nd quarter to help the Owls gain the lead for good.

It was 9-7 less than three minutes into the 3rd period when the home team started to stretch the cushion.

The Nor'easters pay a visit to the University of Southern Maine on Tuesday.