SPRINGFIELD, MASS. - The Keene State College field hockey team upset No. 12 ranked Springfield College 2-1 in a non-conference action at Stagg Field on Tuesday night.

Junior forward Carly Benning (Brewster, Mass.) netted the game-winner for the Owls after taking a feed from junior midfielder Erin Dallas (Keene, N.H.) at the 32:21 mark of the second half.

The Owls (3-1) withstood a second half charge by the Pride (2-1) to post the upset win. "We focused on our defensive play and were able to fight they off," said KSC Coach Amy Watson. Dallas controlled play at midfield and Vikki Stoessel made several key saves in goal. We're a young team, so defeating a team of this caliber is a huge confidence builder."

The Pride scored just 56 seconds into the game. Emily Murry (Boonton, N.J.) took a feed from senior All-American Jane Kelleher (Chatham, Mass.) and found the back of the cage.

However, the Owls tied the game at one all when freshman forward Jacki Benson (Hampstead, N.H.) finished off a pass from Benning off a penalty corner with 25 minutes left in the opening stanza.

In the second half, the Pride poured on the pressure, registering 13 shots compared to just three for Keene State. However, Stoessel was up to the challenge making eight saves in the stanza to keep Springfield off the board.

Kelleanne Salazar (Granby, Conn.) made two saves in goal for Springfield as she faced just eight shots in the entire game.

Keene State returns home to face Western New England College on Thursday (6:30 p.m.).