By DAN BARILE
Eagle Times Correspondent
Richard, Knight instrumental in NHTI’s championship victory
A pair of Stevens alums played major roles in NHTI’s recent victory over Paul Smith’s College in the Yankee Small College Conference championship game. Stevens graduate Hailey Knight held Paul Smith’s College scoreless throughout regulation and overtime to allow NHTI an opportunity to win the game in penalty kicks (PK’s).
Fellow Stevens alum Kaiya Richard was the first player to find the back of the net when she blasted the ball into the bottom right corner on the first attempt in PK’s. Richard’s goal proved to be crucial as NHTI held on for a 4-3 edge in PK’s.
NHTI (10-1-2) advanced to the USCAA National Championship where they opened the tournament with a loss against Cincinnati-Clermont before earning a 1-0 victory over Johnson & Wales (N.C.). Knight had 5 saves in the shutout victory.
Tetu helps Keene State win LEC Championship
For the first time since 2015, the Keene State men’s cross country team won the Little East Conference Championship. Fall Mountain alum Ben Tetu was the fourth finisher for Keene State, placing 11th overall in 26:35. As one of the Owls first five finishers, Tetu’s finish counted toward the Owls five-point victory over the defending champions from Plymouth State.
By winning the conference championship, Keene State earned a spot in the NCAA Division 3 East Regional Championship where they placed ninth overall. Tetu finished fourth for the Owls again, placing 74th overall in 27:11.99.
Ager thrives in championship meets
Bellows Falls alum and Wesleyan junior Stephanie Ager placed 3rd at the NESCAC Championships and followed it up with a 5th place finish at NCAA Division 3 Mideast Regional. Ager’s fifth place finish earned her All-Region and All-New England honors for the third straight year. Wesleyan’s next race is the NCAA Division 3 Championship in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Bourque scores on 90-yard catch
Stevens alum Henri Bourque opened the scoring for Norwich in dramatic fashion by racing to the endzone on a 90-yard reception. Norwich (0-10) continued to have success moving the ball throughout the afternoon but fell just short of earning its first victory of the season during a 31-30 loss to Salve Regina. Bellows Falls alum Jake Moore started at center for the 6-4 Salve Regina Seahawks. Bourque finished the season with 40 receptions for 453 yards and 4 touchdowns.
