Holt Nets First Career Goal, Women’s Lacrosse Rolls over Keene State

KEENE, N.H. (March 7, 2023) – The Western New England women's lacrosse team had their second road game of the season against the Keene State College Owls. The Golden Bears had six players score two or more goals in their defeat against the Owls for a final score of 18-4 in non-conference play.

Records:

• Western New England: 2-1
• Keene State College: 0-2

How it Happened: The Golden Bears put up the first three goals off the game, Kylie Buchanan made the first, a man-up opportunity for Samantha Vitka gave them two, and Madisyn Crotta reached the back of the net 47 seconds proceeding that. The Keene State Owls scored after a WNE missed shot, but three more Golden Bears goals followed before the conclude of the first quarter. Buchanan got her second of the game in the same quarter, and Maggie Holt and Anabella Arias sunk in their first. The score was 7-1 Golden Bears who took 11 shots to Keene St. two in the quarter.

Right out the draw control in the second, the Golden Bears got two shots off and Emmy Burns shot the second one in. They shut out the Owls in this quarter and shot in six goals. Buchanan earned her third goal, Vitka had another free position goal, and Ally Ferraro made her first of the night. For the first half, each goalie shared one save, the Golden Bears had 21 shots, and the Owls added just one more for the score at halftime to be 13-1.

WNE still not holding back threw a goal in the net in the first 3:37 minutes of play in quarter three. The Owls finally answered with goal of their own, but it didn't take long for the Golden Bears to counter it. At the 1:21 mark, Keene reached the net once again, keeping the goals even in this quarter, WNE on top 15-3. In the final period, the Owls scored the final goal early on a free position. One was made by the Golden Bears a few minutes later who scored two more goals before the finale. WNE put up an impressive 18-4 game against the Owls to bring their record to 2-1.

Inside The Crease:

• Samantha Vitka and Kylie Buchanan led the Golden Bears in their win over the Owls, collecting three goals apiece. Buchanan had five shots and three of them on goal. Vitka had four shots in total all on goal with eight draw controls and one groundball.
• Maggie Holt added two goals and six draw controls.
• Ally Ferraro, Anabella Arias, and Emmy Burns also all had two goals for WNE.
• Three of WNE goalies saw action tonight totaling in five saves on nine shots, Faith Graveline collecting the win to go 2-1 in the season.
• The Owls had four different player score each of their goals, and their goalkeeper Sarah Howe recorded three saves in 21 shots. 

Up Next on the Schedule:

• The Golden Bears will be back on Golden Bear Stadium field Thursday, March 9, to take on the Husson University Eagles. Game start time will be 4 p.m.
• Keene State has another home game for their next matchup. They will be hosting the Westfield State Owls Thursday, March 9, at 4 p.m.