NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The Smith College field hockey team dropped a 2-1 decision to Keene State Wednesday evening in their final non-conference game of the season. 

The Owls (17-3) have now won 11-straight and will begin their Little East Conference title defense on Saturday afternoon against Eastern Connecticut State. Smith dips to 9-8 overall with the loss.

KSC took advantage of their first corner as senior forward Sami Smith tipped in a pass from Jensyn Dandeneau for her 32nd goal of the season just 4:57 into the contest.

The Pioneers tied the score five minutes later, when sophomore midfielder Alex Larosee (Warwick, R.I./Wheeler School) snuck behind the Owls' defense and scored off a pass from Bayleigh Bogan (Encinitas, Calif./La Costa Canyon).

Both teams had opportunities to take the lead but their respective goalkeepers kept the score at 1-1 going into halftime.

The difference maker came 10 minutes into the second stanza as sophomore forward Julia Babbitt scored what would be the game-winner on a loose ball behind the Smith netminder.

Smith junior goalkeeper Cameo Tietje (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) made three saves in the loss. Her counterpart Gwendolyn Thayer stopped seven for the Owls.

Keene State held advantages in shots (15-8) while Smith had the edge in corners (8-5).

The Pioneers host Clark University in the final home game of the regular season Saturday at 3:00 p.m.