SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (October 4, 2023) – Western New England sophomore Haley Kaczka netted two awarded penalty stroke goals for the Golden Bears as Western New England defeated Keene State College for the first time since 2005 by a final score of 2-0.

Records:

• Western New England: 10-1
• Keene State College: 7-5

How it Happened:
The Golden Bears saw the Owls take control of much of the first half play as Keene State took the only shot in the first quarter. Both teams were awarded one penalty corner in the opening frame as 32 fouls were whistled.

Both the Owls and Golden Bears would find their offensive ways in the second quarter, as the teams combined for nine shots in the second quarter. Ella Henry made the first save in the second quarter and continued to dominate for the Golden Bears in the contest. Carly-Anna Barba came around with Western New England's best chance in the frame, but was denied by Clara Gorman for the Owls. The Owls and Golden Bears would remain scoreless after 30 minutes of play.

Keene State controlled much of the third quarter and outshot Western New England 3-0 in the frame, putting two shots on goal. WNE sophomore Ella Henry was again up to the task, turning away both shots on goal by the Owls, keeping KSC off the scoreboard. Keene State would be awarded two penalty corners in the third quarter, while WNE did not convert on their lone attempt, as the score would remain tied after 45 minutes of play.

Western New England would finally break the scoreless game after Western New England controlled the pace of play down the stretch of the game. Haley Kaczka would be denied by Clara Gorman, while Analise Trani would also be denied at the doorstep, while the Owls would be whistled for a penalty just outside of the net, causing a penalty stroke for WNE. Western New England's Haley Kaczka would fire a shot into the bottom right corner of the net for her first goal of the night and fourth goal of the season, giving Western New England a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, in a similar sequence, the Owls would again be whistled for a penalty inside the net, forcing another penalty stroke. Kaczka would be called on again to fire a shot at Molly Edmark, who would enter the game for the stroke. Kaczka would pick the opposite side of the net, this time slotting the ball underneath the Owls goalkeeper and into the net, giving Western New England a 2-0 lead. The Golden Bears would hold that lead for the final 2:30 of the contest, giving them their 10^th victory of the season, defeating Keene State 2-0.

Around the Horn:

• Western New England would end up outshooting the Owls 11-10 in the contest, though the two teams tied 8-8 in shots on goal.
• Ella Henry made eight saves for Western New England in the win.
• Haley Kaczka was the lone goal scorer on the night, netting her fourth and fifth goals of the season.
• KSC had nine penalty corners in the game, while WNE took eight.
• Molly Edmark takes the loss after allowing both penalty stroke goals for the Golden Bears.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• Western New England returns to CCC play, traveling to the University of New England on Saturday, October 7 at 1:00 pm.