Box Score
WESTFIELD - Sophomore back Nicole Gagnon (Andover) scored on a penalty stroke with 9:56 remaining to lift Westfield State to a 1-0 upset victory over Keene State in Little East Conference field hockey on Wednesday evening, Sept. 30.
The Owls of Westfield improve to 5-4 overall and 2-2 in the conference, while the Owls of Keene are 7-3 and 2-2.
It was Westfield’s second victory over Keene in 24 games in a series that dates back to 1973.
“Our defense was the key,” said 10th year Westfield coach Heather Cabral, who posted her first victory over Keene. “The defense was clicking tonight and it’s been the backbone of our team the entire season.”
Westfield had two penalty strokes in the defensive struggle. Junior Alicia Gardner (Athol) took a penalty stroke with 19 minutes remaining that was wide.
Gagnon flicked her game-winning stroke waist high and inside the right post.
Keene out-shot Westfield, 10-8. Keene had nine penalty corners, Westfield two. Both goalies (Westfield’s Amanda McCarthy, Keene’s Vikki Stoessel) made five saves.
Westfield players mob Nicole Gagnon after she scores the game-winning goal.
Photo By Tom Moriarty - www.mortssports.net