Women's Soccer Defeats MCLA to Open MASCAC

WORCESTER, Mass. - Sophomore Ali Maldonado (Rutland, Mass.) recorded a second half hat trick, leading the Worcester State University women's soccer team to a 5-1 victory over MCLA in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams Saturday at Coughlin Field.

The Lancers move to 3-4 with the victory and the Trailblazers fall to 1-4.

MCLA struck first scoring a goal that ricocheted off of junior Hannah Van De Water (Cambridge, N.Y) and snuck into the net. The goal came in just the eighth minute of play, giving the Trailblazers the lead for the remainder of the half.

After 45 minutes, the Lancers had outshot the Trailblazers 15-1 and had the ball in their possession for the majority of the half but still trailed 1-0 at the break.

After halftime, the floodgates opened for Maldonado and the Lancers. Maldonado scored three consecutive goals in the 49th, 57th, and 61st minutes, giving her four on the season. The first two goals were unassisted, and goal number three came off a pass from sophomore Talia Borci (Leicester, Mass.).

The second of Maldonado's goals came off a beautiful shot from outside of the goalie box, putting it past the out-stretched arms of the MCLA keeper.

Junior Skylar Alves (Ashburnham, Mass.) and sophomore Tayla O'Leary (Salem, Mass.) each scored their first goals of the season towards the end of the second half to put the game further out of reach.

Sophomore goalkeeper Ashley Spellman (Lancaster, Mass.) recorded the win for the Lancers, making one save. Freshman Tori Socci (Blackstone, Mass.) saw time in net in the second half for the Lancers, but did not face a shot. Junior Megan Richardson took the loss for the Trailblazers, despite saving 17 shots. Sophomore Brooke Mangiardi also recorded seven saves for MCLA.

Next up for the Lancers is a home game against Gordon this Tuesday kicking off at 7 p.m. The Trailblazers will host Bay Path on Thursday at 6 p.m.