Worcester Takes the Third for Victory over Rivier

Worcester, MA- The Lancers Men's Ice Hockey team (9-11-4, 2-8-3) squared off with the Rivier Raiders this evening in a crucial post season battle with playoffs on the line. A win would send Worcester to the post season in their control and Worcester went into the game looking for revenge from an earlier season loss to the Raiders to make it happen.

Final

Worcester State: 3

Rivier: 2

How it Happened:

In an evenly matched battle to close out the season between the Raiders and Lancers, Worcester would find the back of the net first as junior Matthew Nuzzolilo (Worcester, MA) would slap in a shot nine minutes in after the passes from fellow junior Stirling Nash (Edmonds, WA)  and senior Shane Prifrel (Inver Grove Heights, MN). Before the first period would close the Raiders would manage to settle the score at 1-1. 

The second period felt a bit like a repeat of the first , but just in reverse as Rivier grabbed a 2-1 lead. But by the close of the second period, first year Myles Kidd (Norwood, MA)  would settle the score off the passes of fellow first Perry Hudson (Nantucket, MA) and junior Spencer Hecklinger (Devern, CO). Each team would battle to the final minutes of the second but even though Worcester was on the offensive charge late, they were unable to grab a lead into the third. 

The third period would find the Lancer success as Nathan McDougall would be the scorer off a Kidd and Hudson goal this time just over seven minutes into the third. The defense of Worcester would go to another level as they repelled the Raiders attack to hold on for the 3-2 victory. 

Junior Donovan Alfamo (Douglas, MA) would claim 22 saves for a .917% in the regular season finale.

What's Next:

Worcester State (10-11-4, 3-8-3) awaits the final Men's Ice Hockey bracket to determine their final placement in the post season.