Worcester State Tops Mass. Maritime 19-3 on Senior Night

WORCESTER, Mass.— The Worcester State Women's lacrosse team defeated Mass Maritime in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) play at John F. Coughlin Field Wednesday night (Apr. 27). With the win, the Lancers improve to 8-8 overall and improve to 4-2 in MASCAC, while the Buccaneers slip to 4-10 overall and 1-6 in the conference.

Before the game, the Lancers honored their seniors Amanda Pruyn (Tyngsboro, Mass.), Kaila Chase (Northbridge, Mass.), Jackie Connors (Ashland, Mass.), Katelyn Murphy (Billerica, Mass.) and Mackenzie Callini (W. Springfield, Mass.). Also recognized was Mass Maritime's senior Molly Smith (Westwood, Mass.).

The senior captains, Chase and Connors both reached their 200^th career goals against the Buccaneers. "It was more than fitting that these two seniors were able to score their 200^th point during their senior game, and in the mix of it, assist each other's goals," commented head coach Deb Draper. "They really put great effort in there tonight."

The Lancers held control of the entire first half of the game, scoring 15 goals. The Lancers took the lead early, scoring three goals in less than three minutes of play. Worcester State's Alexis Vecchiarelli (Agawam, Mass.) took initiative early in the half, scoring two goals back to back with 28:07 remaining and again with 27:44 remaining in the first half. The Buccaneers wasted no time answering back with an unassisted goal by Stephanie Hunt (Brookfield, Conn.) with 27:17 remaining. However, the Lancers took control again scoring six unanswered goals. Worcester State's senior Connors scored two back-to-back goals assisted by Angelina Sutherland (Tyngsboro, Mass.) and fellow senior Chase. Also contributing to the run of goals was Alaina Martin (E. Longmeadow, Mass.), Vecchiarelli, and Chase.

The Buccaneers ended the Lancers' scoring rally when Buccaneer Hunt scored on a free position shot. The Lancers finished the half rattling off six more goals, giving them a 15-2 advantage over the Buccaneers at the intermission.

The Lancers maintained control in the second half of the game, scoring four in the first 20 minutes of the half. The Buccaneers were able to put another point on the scoreboard with an unassisted goal by Meghan Doherty (Malden, Mass.).

The Buccaneers were led by Hunt, who finished the game with two goals, while Doherty scored one. Dahlia Seggelin (Sharon, Mass.), Kianna Carpenter (Sagamore Beach, Mass.), and Jessica Neal (Kingston, Mass.) each had four ground balls. Seggelin also earned six draw controls for the night.

The Lancers were led by four goals and four assists from Connors, while Vechiarelli and Chase each had three goals. Vechiarelli assisted twice, while Chase earned the assist on three goals.

The Lancers held a 26-18 edge in shots for the game and a 15-9 edge in draw controls. The Lancers also led in ground balls and clears. Junior Krissy Pessa (Walpole, Mass.) earned the win in goal for the Lancers making nine saves, while Sophomore Jamie Hayes (Stonington, CT) suffered the loss in net for the Buccaneers making four saves.

The Lancers return to action for their final MASCAC regular season game on Friday (Apr. 29) at Bridgewater State with a 7:00 p.m. start time. Tonight's play marked the end of Mass Maritime's regular season.

Press Release by Alyssa Hill | Sports Information Graduate Assistant