Clifford, Gonet Propel Women's Soccer To 3-1 Triumph Over Westfield State

Worcester, MA --- Senior Danielle Clifford (Attleboro, MA) notched three points with a goal and an assist while sophomore Gaby Gonet (Agawam, MA) registered the game-winning marker as they helped push Worcester State to a 3-1 win this afternoon over Westfield State in MASCAC women's soccer action at Coughlin Field. 

With the victory the Lancers improve to 8-3-1 and 3-1 in conference action while the regionally-ranked Owls fall to 9-3-1 and 2-2 league play. Westfield State entered the game ranked ninth in the latest NSCAA New England Regional Poll.

Westfield State went up 1-0 four minutes into the game when junior Kayley Miller (Ludlow, MA) received a long pass from classmate Leann Rivard (Chicopee, MA) and netted her team-leading seventh goal of the season. 

The Owls clung to their one-goal advantage until the 54th minute when Clifford fired in a free kick from 20 yards out, for her fourth tally of the year, tying the score at 1-1.

With the game knotted 12 minutes later Westfield State had a golden opportunity to go-ahead when Miller had a good look at the net off of a cross from the right side of the net, but she was denied as sophomore Carolyn Hassett (Charlton, MA) stood in front and kicked the ball out of harms way.

With momentum on their side, Worcester State stayed on the offensive and scored the go-ahead marker in the 76th minute on a breakaway when sophomore Brittany Rotatori (Auburn, MA) chipped a pass in front of the net for Gonet.

Seven minutes later the Blue and Gold scored an insurance marker to make the score 3-1. Therese Morss (Marion, MA) potted her fourth goal of the year off of a Clifford attempt that was going to the left of the net.

The Lancers dominated play for the majority of the game holding a 23-12 lead in shots (11-4 second half).  They also held a slim 4-3 edge in corner kicks.

Senior net-minder Angiezaka Sychtysz (Warren, MA) made four stops for the hosts.

Sophomore Jess Habif (Holliston, MA) and freshman Nicky Stasz (Easthampton, MA) each played one half for the Owls. Stasz shouldered the setback for allowing all three goals in the second half to go along with four saves. Habif turned aside two shots for the visitors.

The Lancers will travel to play Rhode Island College Tuesday at 6 PM while Westfield State plays MASCAC foe Salem State next Saturday at 3 o'clock. 

Release by Jim Sarkisian – Sports Information Intern