Lancers Claim the Home Opening Win over Corsairs on Hair Havoc Pink Out Game Day

Worcester, MA- After starting the season on the road, the Worcester State Women's lacrosse team (1-1, 0-0) hosted its home opener today with a Hair Havoc/Rosen Cancer Awareness Game at Coughlin Field. While spectators were not allowed in the stadium as a result of the recent weather, each team still honored the causes with their game day hair and Pink Rosen T-Shirts to help raise awareness. 

The Headstrong Foundation is relentless in improving the quality of life for those affected by cancer. With every action that we take, we are fulfilling the vision of the late Nicholas Colleluori, our founder. Nick's last wish was that others would benefit from his journey.

The Rosen Cancer Awareness Fund aims to provide a robust curriculum that supports peer-to-peer education regarding early cancer detection.  The importance of Raising Awareness in our young people, particularly Worcester State students, has never been more important and can effectively expedite important educational initiatives to curb the prevalence of late-stage cancer detection and increase longevity.

Donations are currently being accepted at alumni.worcester.edu 

Final

Worcester State: 17

UMass-Dartmouth: 5

How it Happened:

The game began with Worcester State executing strong defensive work, which enabled them to execute successful clearances while goalie sophomore Cadence Oleniak (Hampton, NH) made essential saves that prevented UMD from scoring during the opening period. Madigan Kelley (Bourne, MA) scored a man-up free-position goal to put Worcester State ahead after UMass Dartmouth received a foul and green card. The Lancers kept their offensive pressure because they successfully collected ground balls and created turnovers, which allowed them to score additional goals through senior McKayla Fisher (Peabody, MA) and first-year player Savannah Botthof (Chester, PA). Worcester State maintained possession, which led to them creating several scoring opportunities that resulted in Fisher scoring another goal to extend their lead. 

Worcester State used its powerful transition game and consistent goalkeeping performance to control the game. The Lancers showed their offensive strength when first-year Fallon Lozano (Upton, MA), Madigan Kelley, and junior Meghan Bowen (Westfield, MA) scored goals after senior Shannon Donahue (Dennis, MA) made precise passes that led to her scoring a goal and getting an assist. Cadence Oleniak protected Worcester State's net like a brick wall while making important saves, challenging shots that allowed her team to maintain its advantage. Worcester State established control over the game through their successful ball clearing, which they executed perfectly on all five attempts, while Cadence Oleniak and Meghan Bowen achieved important ground ball victories against UMass Dartmouth at every offensive push they made.

Worcester State capitalized on UMass Dartmouth's disciplinary issues and turnovers, outscoring the Corsairs significantly during this stretch. McKayla Fisher and Fallon Lozano scored two goals each to lead the attack for their team, while the Lancers' defense, led by Savannah Botthof and senior Amanda Palmisano (Woburn, MA), converted every forced error into successful transition goals. The game tempo remained under Worcester control because their efficient clearing and Cadence Oleniak's saves protected their lead, even after the team received a late yellow card.

Worcester State overcame several early turnovers and a yellow card with its defensive pressure and transitional efficiency. First-year Thais Dos Santos (Saugus, MA) and McKayla Fisher sparked the turnaround with key turnovers, which led to a scoring surge from Meghan Heffernan, junior Kerry Brown (Billerica, MA), and Savannah Botthof. The Lancers used their player-up advantages during UMass Dartmouth's green cards to increase their lead because Cadence Oleniak maintained a strong performance in the crease.

What's Next:

Worcester State (2-1, 0-0) is back on the road Saturday with a 12 pm draw versus the Wheaton Lyons.