WESTON, Mass. – In a defensive battle where scoring chances were at a premium, Keene State College converted on a set piece late in the first half and then held on in the second half to defeat Regis College, 1-0, Wednesday night in a non-conference women's collegiate soccer match at Regis Stadium.
Keene State controlled the play early, including two shots from Maya Baker that were stopped by Regis keeper Daniela Mazo (Bridgeport, Conn.). The Pride started to increase their offensive pressure as the first half went along, highlighted by a scoring chance from Olivia Dench (Center Moriches, N.Y.) in the 31st minute that was turned away by Owl goalie Moira Clancy.
After Clancy stopped a shot on goal by Hailey Lovell (Wakefield, Mass.) in the 40th minute, the Owls regained possession and eventually created a corner kick opportunity in the final minute. Alexa Skinner's entry pass found Katherine Burzlaff, whose header sailed into the net with 18 seconds left in the half to put the Owls on top.
The Owls put two shots on goal in the second half, but attempts by Joclynn Tyler and Kayleigh Marshall did not get past Cristina Nazario (Isla Verde, Puerto Rico), who entered the match in net for the Pride at the start of the second half. Meanwhile, throughout the second half, Regis could not advance the ball deep into its offensive zone before Keene State's defense gained possession.
Clancy finished with two saves as she completed the clean sheet, while Mazo and Nazario each collected two saves for the Pride.
Regis College (1-2) opens conference play with a trip to face Albertus Magnus Saturday, Sept. 10, for a 1 p.m. kickoff. Keene State (1-1-1) plays its first home match of the season against Salve Regina Saturday, also starting at 1 p.m.