Worcester, MA --- Junior Kelli McPherson (Mansfield, MA) finished with a goal and a pair of assists, leading visiting Worcester State to a 3-0 win over crosstown rival Clark University in non-league field hockey action on Tuesday evening.

The win for the Lancers improves their record to 8-6 overall and they have now won two of the last three against their Worcester city rivals. The Cougars mark on the campaign evens out to 7-7 in the loss.

McPherson potted her team-best ninth marker of the season 16 minutes into the contest when her blast from outside of the circle tipped off a defenders stick and went into the net.

Things stayed at 1-0 until the opening minutes of the second half when McPherson became the playmaker, finding junior Katelyn Abber (Dedham, MA) for her eighth goal of the year at 38:58.

McPherson helped give the Lancers the three-goal margin with under 20 minutes left in regulation off a beautiful cross from the right side of the field to sophomore Julie O'Rourke (Worcester, MA/St. Peter-Marian) who fired a laser from the top of the apron.

Clark had an excellent opportunity to cut into Worcester State's advantage, but junior Kelly Hart (Oak Park, IL) saw her bid hit the far right post at 58:15.

Senior Allison Romano (E. Bridgewater, MA) made six saves for the Lancers to secure the victory and the shutout – her fifth of the season.

Sophomore Christine Tinsman (Prairie Village, KS) turned back four shots for the Cougars, who held advantages in both shots (11-10) and penalty corners (10-5). 

With her goal this evening, Abber became the 34th Lancer to join the 25-point club as she now has 11 goals and three assists to her credit in two-plus seasons at Worcester State.

Each team will return to conference action later in the week. Worcester State travels to Westfield to take on the Owls on Friday night in Little East action at 12, while the Cougars will play host to NEWMAC foe Wheaton on Saturday at 1 o'clock.

Portions Of Release Courtesy Of Clark University Sports Information

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