KEENE, N.H. (Nov. 16) -- Sophomore guard Sara Laudano scored a career high 24 points to lead the Keene State women's basketball team to a season-opening 83-52 non-conference victory over Nichols College at Spaulding Gym on Monday night.

The Owls (1-0) had three other players score in double-figures; Seniors Alyssa Sapp and Jen Cleaveland each had 13 points while freshman Amber Alberto, making her debut as KSC's point guard, finished with 12 points, eight assists, and two steals in 31 minutes of playing time.

Senior Krsitin Degou shared top rebound honors with Cleaveland. Both players finished with seven. 

Junior guard Ashley Robidoux (Milford, Mass.) had 14 points to lead the Bison (0-1), who struggled from behind the arc, hitting just three of 16 attempts.  Junior forward Jessica Nelson (North Providence, R.I.) led Nichols with seven rebounds.

The Owls used a late first half spurt to build up a 45-26 lead at the break.  Laudano knocked down the third of her three shots from behind the arc to put KSC up 35-24.

KSC finished the half with an 8-0 run.  Alberto drove baseline for basket and later found Cleaveland for a sneak-away hoop to end the half.  Laudano and Cleaveland each had 13 points in the first half.

Keene State broke the game open with back-to-back baskets eight minutes into half.  Sophomore forward Courtney Cirillo fed Alberto for hoop, and after grabbing a rebound, found Laudano all alone for a lay-up that put the Owls up 56-34 with 12:20 to play.

The Owls didn't let the Bison roam on the Spaulding Gym court all night.  Keene State forced 24 Nichols turnovers and had 15 steals. KSC connected on seven of its 18 three-pointers and was 18 of 20 from the line.

Keene State will host its tip-off tournament on Friday and Saturday.  Nichols will play at the Worcester City Tournament on Friday, facing WPI in the opening round game Friday at 5:30 in a rematch of last year's ECAC New England championship game. 

Story courtesy Keene State Sports Information

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