Auburn, MA --- Senior Chris Wallin (Avon, CT) notched his first career hat-trick to help lead Worcester State to a thrilling 3-2 win over Fitchburg State in MASCAC ice hockey action this evening.

With the victory the Lancers, who improve their record to 3-2-3 (2-1-1), earn their first win over their conference and local rival since a 2-1 triumph on December 10, 2003. Fitchburg State falls to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in league play.

WSU led midway through the first period as they netted a power-play goal with 12:45 on the clock as Wallin had some help from sophomore Tim Bowman (Moorpark, CA) and junior Nick Asterito (Philadelphia, PA).

The two squads then played nearly 32 scoreless minutes of action to set the stage for an exhilarating third. 

Fitchburg State sophomore Jack Vets (Handen, CT) knotted the match for the visitors when he hooked up with junior Kris Threlkeld (Centerville, OH) and classmate Travis Bertolotti (Miller Place, NY) for his first goal of the season at the 5:20 mark.

Wallin then netted his second goal less than two minutes later (7:18) on a pass from Asterito, as the Lancers retook the 2-1 lead.

But the advantage was short lived as the Falcons knotted the score 2-2 on an unassisted short-handed goal by senior Billy Pescosolido (Framingham, MA) at 12:34. The goal was first that Worcester State has allowed with the extra-man on the ice this season.

At the 14:31 mark, Fitchburg State nearly avoided allowing the game-winner with five minutes to play as they were whistled for a double minor penalty to give WSU the five-on-three edge. The visitors used the momentum from killing the penalty to force overtime.

In the extra frame, WSU outshot Fitchburg State, 5-1 as Wallin lit up the siren to turn the trick at 3:34 on assists from Asterito and freshman Derek Serbon (Crown Point, IN).

Junior Bryan Kalczynski (Tonawanda, NY) recorded 50 stops in the triumph while senior Robert Vorse (Leominster, MA) made 33 saves in the setback.

Fitchburg State outshot the Blue and Gold 52-36 while all goals that were scored came with men in the penalty box.

The winless streak was 12 games long as the two squads have carried a 0-11-1 record against each other in the last seven years.

Ironically Wallin netted the game-tying goal in their lone tie, which came during the 2008-09 season.With three assists tonight, Asterito now leads the squad with 12 points – two goals and 10 helpers.

The Lancers continue MASCAC play this Tuesday when they entertain Westfield State at 5:30 while the Falcons will host Plymouth State on Thursday at 7 PM.