Women's Soccer Draws Even with Bears in 2OT

WORCESTER, Mass.- The Worcester State University women's soccer team drew even against Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference opponent Bridgewater State 1-1 on Saturday afternoon at John F. Coughlin Memorial Field.

With the tie, the Lancers move to 5-6-2 and 2-1-1 in conference play. The Bears go to 5-4-1 overall and 2-0-1 in conference.

The first half of the game was a defensive battle between the two teams. Opening the half the Bears controlled the ball with Madelyn Morin (East Longmeadow, Mass.) getting off a few shots that were stopped by the Lancer defense. Jordan Bailey (Monson, Mass.) had two key stops from the Bears being able to break through the defense in the half. Worcester State had a few opportunities later in the first 45 minutes but were unable to capitalize on anything to get on the board.

A Bridgewater State foul allowed for Megan Gurlitz (Auburn, Mass.) to take a free kick that the Lancers set up like a corner in Bears territory. Ali Madonado (Rutland, Mass.) headed the ball into the bottom right of the goal to put the Lancers up 1-0. The Bears answered back with their own header when a corner from Michelle Belcher (Norton, Mass.) found the head of Audra McDuffie (Millbury, Mass.) to head into the net. Unable to break the tie the teams headed into overtime after regulation.

Neither team was able to put one into the net in the two overtime periods. Ashley Spellman (Lancaster, Mass.) came up with three crucial saves in the extra time to keep the Lancers even.

Tori Viola-Laughery (Brockton, Mass.) came up with three saves in the Bears' efforts, while Spellman recorded 10.

Both teams return to play with conference action. The Bears host Westfield State next Saturday at noon. Next up for the Lancers, they head to Salem State for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

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