Worcester State Draws with Clark in Double Overtime Game

WORCESTER, Mass. –The Worcester State University Lancers' (2-1-1) first home game resulted in a draw with the Clark University Cougars (2-2-1) on a sunny Saturday afternoon at John F. Coughlin Field.

In 110 minutes of play, neither team was able to put the ball into the net. Worcester State had a 22-5 shot advantage over the Cougars. Clark only had five shots on the afternoon, though, all five were on goal in comparison to the Lancers' 9-22 (.409) on goal percentage.

In addition to shots, Worcester State had a corner kick advantage over the Cougars, 6-1. Off those six corner kicks, a couple were placed well in the box, but Clark's defense and keeper didn't give Worcester State a break.

Worcester State paced the game in the first half, as they had a series of corner kicks in the first half, but were unable to place the ball where they wanted it and put a goal up on the scoreboard.

Worcester State's freshman forward Jenna Martin (Salem, N.H.) had a few breakaways from midfield around the 25 minute mark, but Clarks defense was unstoppable, and their keeper, Gabi Paolini (North Potomac, M.D.) (2-1-1) shut down the opportunities at hand.

In the 58^th minute, Worcester State's senior Alicia Macomber (Stoughton, Mass.), had phenomenal shot which would have gone right into the mesh, but once again, Paolini saved the day and pushed the ball just above the crossbar, resulting in a corner kick opportunity for the Lancers.

In overtime, the ball was at Macomber's feet as she took four shots, one on goal, but was not able to break away from the 0-0 tie to take the win for the Lancers.

Paolini played an outstanding game as she recorded a shutout with nine saves, and also came out of her box to utilize some of her defensive tactics against the Worcester State offense.

For the Lancers, senior goaltender Jillian Witkowski (Leicester, Mass.) (2-1-1) recorded her second shutout of the season, taking on five saves in the entirety of the game.

Offensively for the Lancers, Macomber led the team in shots with eight, three of which were on goal. Martin and junior Kendal Bergenholtz (Grafton, Mass.) took three and four shots, respectively, for the Lancers. Freshman Nikki DiPilla (Sterling, Mass.) and defender Kiley Hardy (Pepperell, Mass.) each had two shots on goal.

The Cougars five shots on goal all were taken by different players. Senior Alex Easton (Brooklyn, N.Y.), junior Kara Fischer (Belmont, Mass.), junior Haley Connors (Burrillville, R.I.), sophomore Simone McGuinness (Chevy Chase, M.D.), and sophomore Grace McElroy-Howard (Watertown, Mass.) each tagged on one this afternoon.

Both teams will remain play on Sep. 15 on their home field, while the Lancers will host WPI, and Clark will take on Curry.