KEENE, N.H. -The Keene State field hockey team will travel to Geneva, N.Y. on Wednesday for a first-round game against William Smith College at 4 p.m. The winner of Wednesday’s game will face the College of New Jersey (16-2) in the second round.

Keene State (18-5) is making its fifth overall and fourth consecutive trip to the NCAAs. The Owls, who have been unable to advance past the first round, has drawn another tough opponent.

“We don’t get the strength of schedule point like the teams in the NESCAC and NEWMAC, so they usually send us on the road against some of the powerhouse teams,” said KSC Coach Amy Watson. “I don’t know that much about William Smith, except its great reputation. Hopefully, we can go up there and give them a game.”

Last season, KSC lost a first-round game to Wellesley College 6-0.

Keene State earned the LEC’s automatic berth with a 2-1 overtime victory against Southern Maine. Sophomore midfielder Erin Dallas (Marlow, N.H.) netted both Owl goals, including the game-winner.

William Smith (15-4) earned an automatic bid into its 18th NCAA Tournament by capturing the Liberty League Championship on Saturday, 2-1 in overtime against Skidmore.

This won’t be the first trip to Geneva for several members of the KSC teams. Last year, a group of players traveled to upper state New York to see former teammate Sarah Joyce play in a senior all-star game. “It’s a great facility,” said junior back Alyssa Rowell (Queensbury, N.Y.). “We’re looking forward to the game.”

                                                                       -30-