KEENE, N.H. – The Husson University field hockey team nearly battled back from a 4-1 deficit on Saturday afternoon, but ultimately came up short against Keene State College on the road, falling 4-3.

Husson (2-5) had the better of the chances early on in the opening period, as the Eagles tallied three shots in the early part of the first quarter, but only one of them was placed on target.

Keene State (8-2) closed out the opening 15 minutes on fire, as the Owls tallied two goals within less than 60 seconds of each other to take a 2-0 edge into the second period.

After the Eagles had two shots saved to begin the second, Keene State added a third goal to its tally, as it looked to run away with the contest.

Following the halftime break, senior Maddie Perkins got the Eagles on the board with her fifth goal of the season off of a helper from junior Faith Tillotson on a penalty corner.

The Owls regained their three-goal lead before the end of the third quarter to send Husson on a long road back with just 15 minutes remaining.

Husson capitalized on another penalty corner to start the fourth quarter, as Tillotson directed a shot into the back of the cage on a feed from senior Ella Louder to bring the Eagles within two goals.

Senior Kyla Havey cut into the deficit at the 52:34 mark, as she put home her first goal of the year on a feed from Perkins to make the score 4-3 with under eight minutes left.

The Eagles had a good opportunity late to tie the contest up on a penalty corner, but a shot from senior Averi Baker hit off the post and Keene State was able to hang on for the win.

Husson was outshot 26-15 for the game, including 18-10 in shots on goal, while the Owls held a 17-10 edge in penalty corners.

Freshman Ella Duchette kept the Eagles in the game with 11 saves in the contest.

Husson returns to action on Saturday when it travels to rival Thomas College for a 1 p.m. matchup.