Lancers Dropped by Falcons

Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Lancers (6-16, 5-13) hit the road Saturday when they traveled north to Fitchburg State to take on the Falcons (11-9-2, 10-6-2) in a key MASCAC battle. 

Final

Worcester State: 1

Fitchburg State: 3

How it Happened

With the opening faceoff between Worcester State junior Maxwell Tucker (Kalamazoo MI) and Falcons junior Michael Macchioni (North Kingstown RI) the game was quickly underway for the two teams as they each looked to grab much needed points heading into the final week of the regular season. The Falcons dominated most of the opening period, recording their first goal just over nine minutes into the action after a penalty on the Lancers would see them a skater down. The Lancers would rebound before the close of the opening 20 minutes when junior Martin Dlugolinsky (Stara Lubovna, Slovakia) would sneak the puck past the Falcons goaltender off a quick snag and go play which would send the game into the first intermission with a 1-1 tie. 

Worcester would come out strong in the second period, responding with equal pressure to Fitchburg's offensive game of the first. Each team went shot for shot as they battled for possession and the chance to grab the go ahead goal. Although unable to successfully land a goal in this back and forth game, Worcester would keep solid control of the puck and keep the Falcons on the edge of their skates as each team would again go into the intermission 1-1.

In the third period of this action packed 20 minutes, Fitchburg would tally 24 shots on goal while Worcester would sit just a shot behind with 23. As time ticked down, junior Matthew Kowal (Monson MA) would nab a breakaway from a steal and attempt a shot but unfortunately was unable to obtain the goal. The deflected save would send the puck to Falcons first year Michael Imala (Oak Lawn IL) who would respond with a goal of his own, leaving the score at 2-1 Fitchburg State . Worcester junior Cody Porcello (Melrose MA) would try to respond but unfortunately the shot was cleared away by Fitchburg's keeper. Worcester would then pull their goalie trying to gain an advantage against the Falcons leading to Falcons first year Hunter Dunn (Douglas, MA) to send Fitchburg up by two and take home the victory.

Junior Jakub Kubik would end the night with 29 saves and just two goals allowed.

The Lancers now move to (6-17, 5-14) while the Falcons sit at (12-9-2, 11-6-2). Both teams are back in action next Thursday as Fitchburg hosts Westfield State and Worcester State heads to Salem State for a must win battle at 7pm.