Women's Lacrosse Claims 15-9 Victory Over Salem State On “Senior Night”

Worcester, MA --- Sophomore Kaila Chase (Northbridge, MA) finished with four goals and a pair of helpers to go with two draw controls to help lead Worcester State to a 15-9 victory over Salem State in MASCAC women's lacrosse action at Coughlin Field this evening.

The Lancers (10-3, 4-1 MASCAC) were also paced by junior Angela Grassetti (Agawam, MA) who tallied a hat trick with a trio of draws while sophomore Jackie Connors (Ashland, MA) chipped in with two goals and a pair of helpers to go with a game-best six draw controls.

Second-year Katelyn Murphy (Billerica, MA) picked up four ground balls and freshman Angelina Sutherland (Tyngsboro, MA) added a four assists, four draws and three ground balls.

The Vikings (4-9, 2-3 MASCAC) sophomore Erin Riley (Wakefield, MA) ended the contest with a game-best six goals and a pair of forced miscues while junior Kelsey Russell (Arlington, MA) handed out four assists and distinguished herself with a contest-high six ground balls.

Junior Amanda Nihan (Peabody, MA), classmate Kristina Ventura (Billerica, MA) sophomore Allyson Spencer (Danvers, MA) and freshman Carolin Woodin (Arlington, MA) all notched four ground balls each to help the visitors lead the category, 27-21.

With the score knotted at 2-2 late in the opening period, Worcester State used a 6-1 run to open up an 8-3 advantage at the intermission.

Grassetti started off the scoring surge at the 9:48 mark before the spurt was finished off by the 100th career point by junior Molly Kilday (Westford, MA) with 11 ticks remaining in regulation. Senior Vicki O'Brien (Canton, MA) also pitched in with a pair of markers for the Blue and Gold.

It was even play over the first 15 minutes of the second stanza with neither team gaining an edge. As Worcester State held onto the five goal margin throughout much of the frame, the hosts rattled off three in a row sparked by a score from Connors and two more by Chase to take over a 15-7 advantage with 12:49 on the clock.

Salem State, however, did not go away as Riley found the back of the net twice to help keep the visitors within striking distance at 15-9 with less than 10 minutes left to play.

Down the stretch, the Vikings had their chances to get back into the game as the Lancers turned the ball over seven times, but freshman Lea Robichaud (Holden, MA) stopped all six shots she saw between the pipes – including three free possession attempts with under 4:00 remaining.

SSU freshman Cheyenne Jackson (Peabody, MA) also stopped point blank shots by O'Brien and sophomore Mackenzie Callini (W. Springfield, MA) in the waning moments of regulation.

On the night, Robichaud collected a season-best 15 saves while Jackson recorded 11 in the setback.

The Lancers held a 33-26 advantage in shots, the 26-23 margin in attempts goal and they dominated the draw (21-5). Worcester State, however, committed 30 miscues and only cleared 15 of their 23 attempts on the evening.

Salem State was 0-for-7 from the eight meter line and WSU only converted two of their six free position bids.

Kilday became the 10th Lancer to join the 100 point club as she now has 78 markers and 22 assists in her one-plus seasons while wearing a Blue and Gold uniform.

O'Brien and classmate Amy Tucker (N. Attleboro, MA) were recognized in a brief pregame ceremony on "Senior Night" for their four-year contributions to the women's lacrosse program playing in their final regular season home contest.

Both squads close out their MASCAC slates on the road this Saturday. Worcester State heads to Fitchburg State for a noontime affair while the Vikings take the Southern trek to Bridgewater State for a 5 o'clock match-up.

Pictured Below: Amy Tucker (Left) and Vicki O'Brien (Right) Pictured With Their Parents On "Senior Night"

You can follow the Worcester State Lancers on Facebook and Twitter