Panthers fall short

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State field hockey team fell to conference rival Keene State, 3-2 in a nail-biter of a game this past Saturday afternoon at Arold Field. The Panthers and the hooters clashed on a hot, humid summer like day that was full of ups and downs for both teams. Both teams looked sharp right out of the gate as the Panthers started their offensive attack early. Junior Lilly Silva scored the first goal of the half. However the Owls continued to play hard as goalkeeper Sara Joyce made some key saves in net. The Panthers defensive play looked good as they made good clean passes to the offense but eventually the Owls put one in net, freshman Amy Dubois scored KSC’s first goal of the game. The first half was all defense for both teams as the half ended with the score knotted at one goal apiece. Two Panthers that stuck out in the first half were senior co-captains Annie Metz who played great defense and moved the ball well; the other was freshman netminder Katie Randall who made some key saves holding back the Owls defense. The second half did not disappoint as both teams played fast and hard, Keene State scored first as sophomore Amanda Rosenbeck scored right at the beginning of the half. The Panthers defense continued to play well, as the offense had plenty of chances to score but couldn’t get the ball past Joyce. Meanwhile the Owl’s offensive pressure kept the Panther defense on their toes. With fifteen minutes left in the game the Panthers offense came alive as junior Katie Kovacs scored on a hard fought goal. The score was once again tied at two goals apiece. The final blow to Plymouth State came with five minutes left in the game as Dubios scored her second goal of the day for KSC. The final score was 3-2 in favor of Keene State; it was a hard fought defensive battle that exemplified this rivalry to the max. The panthers are 5-2 overall and travel to Southern Maine this week to take on the Huskies.