Second-Half Surge Leads Women's Soccer To 5-1 Win Over RIC

Worcester, MA --- Senior Brianne Beckman (Lakeville, MA) and junior Gaby Gonet (Agawam, MA) had two goals apiece to help propel Worcester State to a 5-1 triumph over Rhode Island College in non-conference women's soccer action this afternoon at Coughlin Field. 

In the season opener for both teams, the Anchorwomen scored the first marker of the contest in the 25th minute as sophomore Danielle Peloquin (Pawtucket, RI) drove a penalty kick into the back of the net.

Worcester State had many opportunities to knot the score in the first frame as they held the 14-2 edge in shots, but went into the locker room at the half trailing by one. 

The Lancers were finally able to break their scoring drought at 57:10 as Beckman notched her first tally of the season on an assist by second year Therese Morss (Marion, MA).

Beckman would put the Blue and Gold ahead for good less than 10 minutes later as she received a pass from freshman Alicia Macomber (Stoughton, MA) and scored from just outside the box. 

Gonet would add two insurance goals at 77:21 and 80:30 to give the Lancers the 4-1 lead.  The first goal came on a helper by freshman Amanda Pruyn (Tyngsboro, MA) while the second tally came off a corner kick by sophomore Cassie Giardina (Pittsfield, MA).

WSU second-year Kaleigh Evans (Saugus, MA) added a header in the 82nd minute from a pass by Giardina for the final score. 

RIC sophomore goaltender Audrey Maia (Norton, MA) made 14 saves in the defeat while WSU second-year net-minder Danielle Grunbaum (Marlboro, MA) was not called upon to make a save.

The Lancers held possession for most of the game as they would outshoot Rhode Island College 37-2, including a 23-0 clip in the second stanza.  Worcester State would also hold a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks. 

Both teams will continue their non-conference schedule in their next games.  WSU will host Wheaton on Sunday at 1 PM, while the Anchorwomen will travel to Springfield on Tuesday for a 4 o'clock affair.  

Release and Video By Jim Sarkisian '12 – Sports Information Assistant