Beckman Helps Lead Women's Soccer Past Clark, 3-1

Worcester, MA --- Junior Brianne Beckman (Lakeville, MA) registered a pair of first-half goals two minutes apart to help propel Worcester State to a 3-1 triumph over Clark in non-conference women's soccer action this afternoon.

With the win the Lancers pick up their first victory of the season (1-2-1) while the Cougars even out to 2-2 overall.

Beckman scored the first marker unassisted in the 26th minute and then her second came at the 27:20 mark on a dish from freshman Cassie Giardina (Pittsfield, MA). Beckman now leads the Blue and Gold with three goals on the season.

WSU would enjoy a 14-6 edge in shots at the close of the opening frame. Clark's best opportunity in the first half came on a free kick – 25 yards away – by freshman Haley Anderson (N. Grosvenor Dale, CT), but the bid was caught in the air by senior keeper Angieszaka Sychtysz (Warren, MA).

As the Lancers continued to pummel shots into the Cougar net, the visitors woke up and played more aggressively on offense for the final 20 minutes of regulation.

Clark would cut into the lead in the 76th minute when second-year Afra Danai (Amherst, MA) hit a shot from 20-yards away that caromed off of the left post into the net. Danai's second marker of the season had some help classmate Lucia Pantuosco (Somers, CT).

After the goal, the Cougars would have three corner kick opportunities eight minutes apart, but the Lancer defense did a fine job of keeping the ball away from the net.

Sophomore Brittany Rotatori (Auburn, MA) helped WSU put the game away in the 89th minute as she scored on a breakaway Clark's keeper playing 20 yards out of the net. The tally was Rotatori's first of the campaign.

Senior Audrey Eisemann (Worcester, MA/Academy of Math & Science) had a busy day as she made 10 stops on the afternoon while Sychtysz turned aside eight shots for the hosts.

The Blue and Gold ended with a 24-10 lead in shots (13-9 on goal) while the Cougars led in corners, 4-1.

The Lancers will play again at home against WPI at 7 PM on Wednesday while Clark will entertain Roger Williams at 6:30 on Tuesday.