Keene, N.H.--Freshman forward Kody Poplaski (Bradford, R.I.) scored his first collegiate goal as Rhode Island College fell, 3-2, vs. Keene State at the Owl Athletic Complex on Saturday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Keene State 3, Rhode Island College 2
Keene State (7-4-2, 1-3-1 LEC)
Rhode Island College (1-6-5, 0-2-2 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Keene State started with the ball to begin the game and found success with a goal in the opening 30 seconds of the game to go ahead, 1-0.
 
• Junior midfielder Donovan Battle (Hudson, Mass.) had the Anchorman's first chance on net in the 13^th minute.
 
• Poplaski knotted the game up at one apiece as senior defender Daniel Grzybacz (Cumberland, R.I.) was credited with the assist in the 26th minute.
 
• However, the Owls would retake the lead as they scored in the 38th minute and would go into halftime with a one-goal, 2-1, advantage.
 
• The hosts netted an insurance marker in the 74th minute, forcing RIC to press offensively late in the contest.
 
• Senior defender Alexander Bautista (Pawtucket, R.I.) linked up with Jacob Holland (Warwick, R.I.) for a strike with 15 minutes left, but it was not enough as the Owls would go on to secure their first conference win.

• Freshman goalkeeper Shane Merklein (Mullica Hill, N.J.) made four saves in the loss (1-2-3).
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host Thomas on Wednesday, Oct. 15 (4 p.m.).