PROVIDENCE, R.I. (MyKeeneNow)— Keene State College athletes made a strong start to the 2024 fall season, earning several accolades from the Little East Conference (LEC) for their performances during the first weekend of competition.

Men’s Cross Country

Jake Velazquez, a fifth-year transfer from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Keene High School graduate, was named LEC Player of the Week after dominating the season-opening Alumni Meet. Velazquez won the 5k race with a time of 15:18.5, beating his closest competitor by over 20 seconds and shaving 49 seconds off the previous year’s winning time. Freshman teammate Ben Tetu, hailing from Walpole, N.H., also earned recognition as LEC Rookie of the Week, thanks to his top 10 finish with a time of 16:09.1. Velazquez and Tetu helped propel the Owls to victory in the team competition.

Both runners will next compete at the Ron Stonitsch Invitational on September 14 at Vassar University.

Women’s Cross Country

Freshman standout Kallie Warner from Buxton, Maine, earned LEC Rookie of the Week honors after finishing fourth at the Keene State Alumni Meet with a time of 12:15.1. Her strong performance helped the team secure second place overall to kick off their 2024 campaign.

Warner and her teammates will return to action at the Ron Stonitsch Invitational on September 14.

Field Hockey

Junior goalkeeper Clara Gorman was named LEC Goalkeeper of the Week after helping Keene State’s field hockey team secure a 3-0 victory over Springfield College. Gorman made six saves during the game, securing her first shutout of the season, building on the four shutouts she posted in 2023.

Men’s Soccer

Freshman forward Martin Lubunga had an impressive debut, earning both LEC Offensive Player of the Week and LEC Rookie of the Week honors. In the team’s 3-3 draw against Rivier University, Lubunga scored twice, including a crucial late goal. He also recorded two assists in a 4-0 win over Lesley University, contributing to six points in his first two collegiate games.

Junior defender Dylan Chambers also received recognition, being named LEC Defensive Player of the Week. Chambers played 155 minutes across the weekend’s games, helping Keene State hold their opponents to an average of 1.5 goals per game.