Connors Matches Worcester State All-Time Record in 18-5 Victory over MCLA

WORCESTER, Mass. – An overall well-rounded performance by the Worcester State Lancers led them to an 18-5 victory over the MCLA Trailblazers on Tuesday (Apr. 19) evening in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) play. With the win, the Lancers advance to 6-7 (3-1 MASCAC), while the Trailblazers drop to 3-8 (0-4 MASCAC).

Senior attack, Jackie Connors (Ashland, Mass.) matched the Worcester State All-time career assists in a game with seven to tie with Worcester State's Hall of Famer, Ann Clark, who made the mark twice - once in 2006 (vs. Nichols) and once in 2007 (vs. Rhode Island College).

Worcester State started the scoring with eight unanswered goals within the first 12 minutes of play. Three came from Kaila Chase (Northbridge, Mass.), two came from Connors, two were scored by Alaina Martin (E. Longmeadow, Mass,), and then one chipped in by Mackenzie Little (Marlboro, Mass.).

It wasn't until 17:28 remaining in the first half that MCLA got up on the board on an unassisted goal by Natalie Caney (Belchertown, Mass.). Worcester once again got back in their scoring motion then scoring five more unanswered goals, before MCLA's Mackenzie Cutler (E. Amherst, NY) chipped one in before the half.

After Worcester led 13-2 at the intermission, the Lancers came out with two goals to start the half. One came from freshman, Kylie Farrell (Sutton, Mass.), and another came from Alexis Vecchiarelli (Agawam, Mass.). MCLA chopped at the Lancers' run, as Rachel Green (Petersburgh, NY) placed one in the net for their third goal of the game (15-3). Worcester's Erin Haltam (Medina, Ohio) answered with one before MCLA added two consecutive from Taylor Brewer (Bennington, VT) and Cutler.

Worcester State concluded the game with two more goals in the last 10 minutes of play – one from Amanda Pruyn (Tyngsboro, Mass.) and one scored by newcomer Meghan Pini (Natick, Mass.) for her first collegiate women's lacrosse goal.

"The team played well together tonight," commented head coach Deb Draper. "We were able to control the midfield and work with a balanced attack on offense."

Krissy Pessa (Wapole, Mass.) listed the win for the Lancers, as she made five saves in the 60 minutes played. Saundra Lam (Worcester, Mass.) earned her first loss of the season along with tallying seven saves.

The Lancers' next matchup is scheduled for Thursday (Apr. 21) where they will travel to Rhode Island College for a non-conference contest. The Trailblazers resume play on Saturday (Apr. 23) to face up against MASCAC opponent, Westfield State, on their home turf with a 3:30 p.m. start time.