KEENE, N.H. - The Keene State College field hockey team, led by senior Erin Dallas' (Marlow, N.H.) two assists, defeated the Salem State Vikings 3-1 in Little East play on Wednesday night at Owl Athletic Complex. On the second assist, Dallas broke the school record with her 38th career assist, breaking Kelly Smith's (1997-2000) mark.

"Breaking the assist record was a long time coming for Erin," said KSC Coach Amy Watson. "It's a lot harder for her to get assists because she has been playing sweeper for us, but she has worked hard for it and greatly deserves it."

The Vikings (6-7, 3-6 LEC) struck first, wasting little time, as junior forward April Rossetti (Saugus, Mass.) took a nice lead ball from Karen Atkinson (Reading, Mass.) and tucked it into the right corner just past the dive of KSC senior goalie Vikki Stoessel (Derry, N.H.) just 46 seconds into the contest.

"Salem State is a scrappy team that always gives us a run for our money," said Watson. "We have been working a lot on our offense so I am glad we responded and created some good opportunities."

After the Salem goal the momentum shifted, as the Owls (12-4, 7-2 LEC) continued to pressure Viking goalie Jessica McKenna (Rowley, Mass.). Keene State hit the board off a penalty corner at the 10:33 mark when Dallas fed sophomore forward Elizabeth Coffin (Sugar Hill, N.H.) for her seventh goal of the year and a 1-1 score.

Just before the half, Dallas' second assist of the game and 38th of her career gave the Owls the lead when senior forward Carly Benning (Brewster, Mass.) scored her 17th goal of the season.

In the second half, at the 45:07 mark sophomore forward Jacki Benson (Hampstead, N.H.) took a rebound and buried it into the top right corner of the net for the 3-1 Owls victory.

Salem State's best scoring chance of the second-half with just over 15 minutes left in the half when junior forward Karen Atkinson (Reading, Mass.) had a wide-open shot that was turned away by Stoessel.

The Owls outshot the Vikings 23-8 and had a firm advantage in penalty corners at 13-2.

Stoessel finished the game with six saves, while McKenna set aside 12 shots, including nine in the second half, in the losing effort.

The Owls return to action Saturday, with a key Little East game at Fitchburg State.