Late Surge Lifts Field Hockey Past WPI, 4-2

Worcester, MA --- Sophomore Krissy Kenney (Rehoboth, MA) slapped home the eventual game-winning goal in the 63rd minute to help Worcester State knock off crosstown rival WPI, 4-2, in non-conference field hockey action this evening at Coughlin Field.

The Engineers (3-2) got off to a quick start when junior Libbi Richardson (Uxbridge, MA) drove in from the right side of the net and dished a beautiful pass to second-year Amy Misera (Hunt Valley, MD) in front for the early 1-0 lead just 47 ticks into the contest.

The Lancers (4-1) answered with some tough defense and the game tying marker when sophomore Erika Lepkowski (Baldwinville, MA) redirected a shot by senior Amanda Turnbull (Leicester, MA) on the left side of the cage for the 1-1 score with 11:52 remaining in the first half.

WSU gained their first lead of the contest coming out of the break when sophomore Julie O'Rourke (Worcester, MA) found junior Katelyn Abber (Dedham, MA) streaking in from the left side for the 2-1 advantage at the 38:52 mark.

WPI answered just three minutes later when first-year Jena Mazzucco (Danbury, CT) forced the ball over the goal line during a scrum in front of the net for the 2-2 tie.

The Blue and Gold called a key timeout with 9:35 left in regulation and drew up a great play to take the lead.

Freshman Katelyn Carmody (Shelburne Falls, MA) dished out her team leading fourth assist as she found a wide-open Kenney, just inside the circle for a one timer and the 3-2 lead with 6:37 remaining.

Worcester State maintained control on the offensive side of the field for the remainder of play and added a late goal by junior Kelli McPherson (Mansfield, MA) on a penalty stroke at the 66:44 mark for the final score.

The Lancers outshot the Crimson and Gray, 17-9, including an 11-4 clip in the second half as well as tripling up their opponents 9-3 in penalty corners.

WPI senior net minder Liz Dufresne (Worcester, MA) stopped nine shots on the evening as her counterpart, senior Allison Romano (E. Bridgewater, MA), recorded five saves for the Blue and Gold. 

Both teams return to action on Saturday as WSU remains home to take on LEC conference foe Framingham State at 11 AM and WPI travels to Smith for a 1 PM affair.

Story By John Hanna --- Sports Information Graduate Assistant