Box Score
Box Score

KEENE, N.H. - Senior forward Carly Benning (Brewster, MA/Nauset Regional) scored two goals in the first 35 minutes of action and Keene State held on for a 4-0 shutout victory over Rensselaer in non-conference action this evening.  Tonight's contest marked the season opener for both squads.

Benning opened the game's scoring at 7:02 as she found the back of the box off an assist by sophomore forward Aislynn Sherry (Rehoboth, Mass./Dighton-Rehoboth Regional).

The Owls gained the two-goal advantage less than four minutes later as Benning tallied her second of the game off an assist by freshman midfielder Alexandra Billert (Center Conway, N.H./Kennett) at 10:56.  The Engineers had a number of chances in the opening half, but could not capitalize despite a narrow 8-7 shot disadvantage.

In the second half, Sherry helped the home team build up a 4-0 lead after assisting on her second goal of the game and scoring one of her own mid-way through the frame.  Sophomore forward Jacki Benson (Hampstead, NH/Pinkerton Academy) gave the Owls a three-goal lead at 50:26 after she drove the ball home off a pass from Sherry, who added her own tally less than six minutes later for the final margin.

Keene State saw two goalies share the duties in tonight's contest as Vikki Stoessel made five stops in 59:05 and Meghan Ledoux posted three saves in 10:55.  The Owls also made two team defensive saves. 

For Rensselaer, sophomore netminder Briana Earle (Baldwinsville, NY/C.W. Baker) made 10 saves on the evening while senior defender Joanna Aliprando (Basking Ridge, NJ/Ridge), classmate and midfielder Megan McNamara (Johnstown, NY/Johnstown) and junior forward Sandy Turnbull (Upperville, VA/Chatham Hall) each chipped in with three shots apiece.

The Owls return to action on Thursday when they host Castleton State at 6pm.  Rensselaer is in action on Saturday at William Paterson, also at 6pm.