Lancers Grab Pivotal Conference Win over Rivier

Worcester, MA- In a crucial post-season meeting Saturday night, the Worcester State Women's Ice Hockey team (12-9-1, 9-3-1) will look to gain a more solid hold on their second seed standing as they journey north to Rivier, who currently is vying to steal the Lancer's place atop the standings. The previous two meetings this season between the teams have been decided by a single goal, mirroring the ECHA Final meeting between the teams last year in the Championship that brought Worcester home its third straight Championship title. 

Final

Worcester State: 4

Rivier: 1

How it Happened: 

Worcester State and Rivier University battled an aggressive first period with lots of faceoffs and shots on goal. Worcester State scored on a power play in the late stages of the first period with first-year Avery Ireland (Longmeadow, MA) scoring the first goal on a feed from fellow first-year Emily Johns (Clinton, MA) and Junior Cailey Ryan (Acton, MA). Both teams had several shots, with Worcester's Johns and Rivier's McHatton seeing a lot of offensive action. Goalkeeper junior Kelsey Czerniawski (Chicopee, MA) and Rivier's Rachel Symmes both made crucial saves to seal the first period of the game. Penalties did change momentum, though, with the Raider's Brianna Rumptz and Haylie Grossmann spending time on penalties, giving WSU power play opportunities. With some shots being missed and blocked shots from both teams, WSU kept building offensive pressure, while Rivier waited for potential counterattacks. 

Worcester State added to their lead in the second period with two goals. Graduate student Amy MacGlashing (Marlborough, MA) put in an unassisted goal at 12:09, capitalizing on an even-strength opportunity. Sophomore Kelly Lovett (Peabody, MA) added another one at 1:55, assisted by first-year Emily Johns (Clinton, MA) and sophomore Kaia Carlson (Denver, CO). The two teams had numerous scoring chances, with Worcester's first-year Avery Ireland (Longmeadow, MA) hitting the post and Rivier's Keegan McGaheran striking the post as well. Goalkeeper Rachel Hinkley came on for Rivier, making numerous saves to narrow the game to within reach. Solid play on defense on both sides saw many shots blocked, Lancers holding onto possession going into the final period. 

Worcester State sealed the victory with a solid final period, adding a bonus goal to secure the win. Ireland, who was set up by fellow first-year Johns and junior Cailey Ryan (Acton, MA), scored a power-play goal at 18:07, growing Worcester's lead. Rivier pushed to respond, and they were able to score one goal, but almost all of their shots were deflected by Worcester's goalie junior Kelsey Czerniawski (Chicopee, MA). Both teams battled throughout the game, and Rivier secured many draws, but could not capitalize on the opportunities to score. The Lancer's defense, including a few clutch block shots and saves, kept the Raiders under control. Worcester State finished the game off strong winning 4-1!

What's Next:

In a crucial post-season meeting, the Lancers (13-9-1, 10-3-1) will host Plymouth State at the Fidelity Bank Ice Center next Friday at 6:10 pm in the final MASCAC game of their season.