Lancers Hold on For Win Over Vikings in Morgan's Message Game

Worcester, MA- In a crucial post season seeding battle, the Worcester State Field Hockey team (5-10, 5-4) take on Salem State this evening. Worcester State is looking to close out their season with a string of wins to carry into the post season tournament.

Final

Worcester State: 4

Salem State: 2

How it Happened:

The opening quarter action would see an even battle between the Vikings and Lancers with Worcester grabbing the 2-1 edge in corners, with the same differential with shots on cage. Late in the quarter Worcester began to build up their offensive momentum with a number of chances wide of the cage, but Salem solidified their defensive presence to keep Worcester away from any high percentage chances. Worcester would steadily gain control of the game through the second quarter recording seven shots, with three finding the cage, and recording three penalty corners, but still remained scoreless through the opening 30. 

It would take just over a minute into the third quarter for Worcester to rack the code for scoring with senior Allison Keenan (Marlborough, MA) recording a tip in goal off fellow senior Charlotte MacGregor's (Bellingham, MA) send into the circle. Worcester would answer with a second just a few minutes later this time with MacGregor collecting her own rebound and sending past the Viking keeper. The trio of goals in the third would be capped off with a senior Maggie Nailor (Dartmouth, MA) pass to first year Katelynn Swistak (West Brookfield, MA) who nailed the ball into the back board for the 3-0 lead. 

Halfway through the fourth Worcester would claim the fourth goal off a perfectly executed corner from sophomore Kylie Casey (Hubbardston, MA) to MacGregor. Worcester would finish strong, nearly scoring two additional goals in the quarter that were called back as they stifled the Viking attack, keeping them from  scoring until the final few minutes when Salem was able to return two of the goals and cut the deficit down. Worcester would resettle and manage to hold on for the 4-2 victory.

What's Next:

Worcester State (6-10, 6-4) is back in action on Tuesday when they travel to Anna Maria for their final road regular season match of the season with a 6pm first whistle.