Worcester Falls just shy in Comeback Bid

Worcester, Mass. - On Saturday morning the Worcester State Lancers traveled to Alumni Field in Westfield to face off in their third MASCAC match of the 2022 season.

Worcester started the half strong with multiple opportunities in the Owl's defensive third. Midfielder Erin Conden (East Bridgewater, MA) held her own and was able to make several passes to onto the foot of teammates throughout the midfield, as well as through balls to sole striker Haley Mignon (Tewksbury, MA). The Lancer defensive line did a phenomenal job shutting down any breakaways Westfield had, with senior centerback Allie Marrier (Dudley, MA) having a phenomenal game and leading the defense with strength. The Owls capitalized on a set piece as Kylee Murphy (Haverhill, MA) tallied the first goal of the game in the 32nd minute off a corner from Delaney Parker (Orange, MA). Parker added a second goal two and a half minutes later when she hit a rocket that found the upper left corner. Worcester's best opportunity of the first half came from Abby Bond (Bolton, MA). Bond ripped a shot from the top of the penalty box that was just punched over the crossbar by a leaping Julia Roback (Chicopee, MA). The ensuing corner was knocked out by Roback but found its way to Riley Patenaude (Pepperell, MA) who had a one timer that was blocked by the Owls. Westfield carried the 2-0 lead into half.

Westfield extended their lead to 3-0 ten minutes into the second half on a Bella Parrotte (East Greenbush N.Y.) goal that was assisted by Marissa Jacob (Holden, MA) and Emily Ottomaniello (Agawam, MA). Parrotte's shot came from just outside the left corner of the box and found the far side of the net. Worcester State responded immediately to keep the game within reach. Mignon connected with Condon behind the Owls' defense where Condon tucked the ball inside the left post for Worcester's first goal, and the first goal of the freshman's collegiate career. The Lancers narrowed the margin to one with fifteen minutes when Hailey Skowronski (Douglas, MA) scored a beautiful goal set up by an over-the-top ball played by Condon via Raelyn Callahan (Pepperell, MA). Worcester threatened to tie the match with five minutes remaining on a Skowronski cross that was headed on target by Callahan but Roback made the save for the Owls to seal the win.

The Lancers will host Western Connecticut on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Coughlin Field for a non-conference game.