Women's Soccer Bests Crosstown Rival WPI, 3-1

Worcester, MA --- Junior Alicia Macomber (Stoughton, MA) netted a pair – including the game-winner – as Worcester State defeated crosstown rival WPI, 3-1, in non-conference women's soccer action this evening.

With the win the Lancers run their record to 3-1 while the Engineers fall to 1-4 with the setback on the young season.

Macomber helped the Blue and Gold stake the 1-0 edge at the intermission. Senior Margo Clifford (Attleboro, MA) flicked a soft ball to Macomber in the middle of the box, who finished right in front of the net in the 24th minute.

To start off the second stanza, Macomber put the visitors up 2-0 just 21 ticks into the frame. Senior Shelby Archer (Dayville, CT) helped Worcester State take advantage of a miscue at midfield with a nifty pass to Macomber, who beat the keeper and hit home her fifth goal of the campaign.

WPI pulled one back in the 51st minute and cut into the deficit when sophomore Janine Fatal (Amesbury, MA) on a one-timer right in front of the cage. Classmate Emma Turton (Mechanic Falls, ME) had a nice feed on the six-yard line to help Fatal collect her first collegiate tally.

But Worcester State capped off a string of three markers in eight minutes and torpedoed WPI's comeback chances when the Lancers scored their third goal off a corner kick by Macomber. Following a play-in that hit off a defender, senior Sarina Lathrop (Hopedale, MA) collected the loose ball on the left side of the box and drilled home her first of the year.

The Engineers had two great chances with just under five minutes to play. Turton was alone at the 20-yardline, but her attempt was kicked away by the defense and her other bid was turned aside by junior net minder Jillian Witkowski (Leicester, MA).

Witkowski registered six saves in the victory, while her counterpart, sophomore Abbey Teliska (LaGrangevile, NY), stopped three in the defeat.

WPI actually led in shots (14-9), attempts on goal (7-6) and Worcester State led in corners (4-1).

Macomber has now notched five markers in her last two games as she continues to lead the MASCAC in goals and points (10).

Both squads will travel to road opponents on Saturday. The Crimson and Gray make the trek up I-190 for a 2pm matchup against Fitchburg State, while WSU heads to Clark for a meeting at high noon.