Lancers Get Revenge, Sinking Vikings in Conference Battle

Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Lancers were looking for revenge in tonight's Women's Ice Hockey (9-8, 6-1) meeting with the Salem State Vikings. The Vikings had handed Worcester their only conference loss of the season thus far on November 22nd in a 3-0 defeat. Worcester was determined to not seed any ground to Salem State in their second attempt.

Final

Worcester State: 2

Salem State: 0

How it Happened:

In the opening period, the Lancers came out looking to strike first as their previous matchup against the Vikings led to them being scoreless. The game started off with a back and forth battle between Worcester and Salem, with both teams matching each other's physicality. The Lancers looked to shift their energy and build connectivity on their offensive output. The Vikings seemed composed on the defensive side of the ice, with goalkeeper Amy Thul standing firm and protecting the net. The Lancers let the puck fly in the first period, putting up 14 shots and connecting on one. With 6:54 left in the first period, with first year Princess Delano (Mountainside, NJ) finding the back of the net. Lancers goalie senior Kelsey Czerniawski (Chicopee, MA) made some crucial saves down the stretch to help the Lancer girls hold on to a 1-0 lead.

Coming into the second period, the Lancers looked to double down on their 1-0 lead, playing aggressive early. On the defensive end of things, the Lancers held down the fort in first period, and they did not slow down in the second, instilling their physicality on the ice. Additionally, the Lancers continued to put up a high volume of shots, generating some potential scoring chances. Czerniawski was phenomenal in the net, denying goals left and right, making it difficult for the Vikings. The Lancers put immense pressure on the puck, which allowed them to get another goal and double their lead. Sophomore Emily Johns (Clinton, MA) was relentless on the puck, taking her possession coast to coast, joining Delano with another goal to give the Blue and Gold a 2-0 lead.

The Lancers looked to continue their excellence on the ice in the final period. At this point in the game, the Lancers shifted their focus to defensive pressure, standing firm in the net. Czerniawski continued her defensive prowess, swallowing up the puck all night, making it difficult for the Vikings to have hope. The Lancers were razor sharp on the offensive end, enabling them to generate a lot more chances to score. The Lancers were able to hold on to the lead and finish a perfect game 2-0.

Czerniawski had 29 saves in the night's victory as Worcester looks to hold on to single control of the top spot in the MASCAC.

What's Next:

Worcester State (10-8, 7-1) was slated to play MCLA this Saturday in a conference meeting but that game has been rescheduled to a later date with Worcester next back in action on February 6th at 7:30pm for their Military Appreciation game with unique Jersey's up for auction.