Field Hockey Stuns Defending Little East Champion Keene State, 1-0

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Senior forward Shelby Farland (Fiskdale, Mass.) scored the game's only goal in the opening minutes of the second half as the Bridgewater State University field hockey team stunned defending Little East Conference champion Keene State College, 1-0, on Friday night at Swenson Field.

The game marked the conference opener for both teams.  Bridgewater remains unbeaten on the season with a perfect 3-0 mark (1-0 LEC). Keene, the Little East preseason favorite, slips to 2-1 overall (0-1 LEC). It was the first regular season conference loss for the Owls since dropping a 2-1 decision to Salem State back on Oct. 20, 2010 - a span of 14 games.

Farland scored the lone goal of the game off a penalty corner less than four minutes into the second half.  The Bears' captain and leading scorer took a pass from junior midfielder Georgina Bagordo (Spart, N.J.) and blasted a shot from just inside the circle that beat the Keene netminder between the pads.

BSU senior goaltender Cassie Johansen (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.) turned aside five shots to post her third shutout in as many games as she extended her shutout streak to 210 minutes.  Johansen and the Bears have not been scored upon this season.

Bridgewater held a 10-7 advantage in shots, while Keene had a slight 12-11 edge in penalty corners.  Farland, who has scored at least one goal in each of the first three games, led all players with six shots.

Sophomore Caitlin Davino-Draper (Hanover, Mass.) made four saves between the pipes for the visiting Owls.

In upcoming action, Bridgewater hosts non-conference foe Salve Regina University next Tuesday night at seven.  Keene entertains Amherst College on Sunday afternoon at 1:30.