New Haven — Kevin Close scored three goals as the Eastern Connecticut Eagles captured their first state title in program history with a 7-3 victory over Tri-Town in the CIAC Division III hockey tournament championship game on Saturday morning at Yale University's Ingalls Rink.

The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for fifth-seeded Eagles, an eight-school cooperative program of Fitch, East Lyme, Ledyard, Stonington, Waterford, Wheeler, Griswold and Hale-Ray. They were 4-17 a year ago, but went 19-3-3 this winter and beat No. 3 Tri-Town for the third time in four meetings.

The Eagles took control early against the Knights, who actually held a 30-22 edge in shots, getting goals from Quenten Dean, Evan Tower and Will Cannella to a 3-0 lead. Kyle Jacobson also scored for the Eagles while goalie Rylin Fowler made 26 saves, including 15 in the second period when Tri-Town applied its best pressure of the game.

Tri-Town is a cooperative program of Ellington, East Granby and Somers.

g.keefe@theday.com