Lancers Win Big Over MCLA on Senior Night

Worcester, MA- In their second to last home game of the 2024-25 season the Worcester State Women's Ice Hockey team (11-9-1, 8-3-1) will host MCLA in the Senior Night Celebration game while vying for final seeding in the postseason tournament. Being honored before tonight's game are seniors Madison Robillard (Tewksnury, MA), Grace Laubenstein (Weymouth, MA) and Kiersten Erickson (Brommfield, CO) and along with fifth year seniors Sydney Vautour (Hamilton, MA) and Amy MacGlashing (Marlborough, MA).

Final

Worcester State: 3

MCLA: 1

How it Happened:

The contest looked to be an intense one of the first drop, but even more so before the game where the Lancers spent some time to honor their seniors and all the hard work they have put forth on the field, as well as academically.  As this was senior day, the intensity would be high.  The Lancers in search of a win to honor their leaders. The first period came underway with the first face off going to the Trailblazers. They looked to capitalize on this early possession, but the Lancers would play inspiring defense out the gates. They would shoot down their attack and launch a slew of their own. Both teams would go back and forth, and the match seemed to be at a stalemate until the Lancers MacGlashing scored the first goal of the period and the game. The Lancers would carry the 1-0 into the second period. 

The second period would continue to see the back and forth intensity of the first with each team raising their aggressiveness as they looked to grab a more solid control of the game. Nearly halfway through the second period, Worcester would expand their lead off a first year Emily Johns (Clinton, MA) goal off the top shoulder of the MCLA goalie after a relay rebound attempt from Vautout and Laubenstein. A following penalty would provide MCLA a chance to answer, and while the Lancers power kill was strong, the Trailblazers worked to find a gap and cut the deficit back to one score. The Lancers lead 2-1 as we head into the third and final period. 

The start of the third period came with all the energy and angst of the first and second while the Lancers looked to protect their lead and stretch it. The Trailblazers, on the other hand, were playing a different more aggressive brand of hockey, as they faced a deficit of one goal. Worcester played with the same defensive effort that helped them achieve this lead, they would need it if they were to close out the game with the victory. The period was tense, both teams trying to manifest a win while limiting scoring opportunities. The Trailblazers needing a score to get back in this game, committed heavily on the offensive front. This seemed to work early, but after a couple runs, the Lancers adjusted. The need for a goal would drive the Trailblazers to play sloppy, and Worcester State would capitalize on this. The Lancers would score their first goal of the period and their third goal overall off a sophomore Madelyn Franta (Superior, WI) knock in from junior Lea Gaspar (Chelmsford, MA). MCLA would not back down as they looked to grab the momentum and score. They would be unable to cut through the Lancers defense as they would hold on for the 3-1 win. 

Junior Kelsey Czerniawski (Chicopee, MA) would close out the night with 24 saves in the action for Worcester. 

What's Next:

Worcester State (12-9-1, 9-3-1)  is right back in action on Saturday night when they journey to New Hampshire to take on Rivier for a 6:40pm puck drop.