Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Women's Ice Hockey team headed to Southern ME Saturday afternoon looking for the first win of 2023, after dropping a thriller last night versus nationally ranked Utica College in OT. The extra minutes of play seem to have had a minimal effect on the Lancers, as they started strong jumping out to an early lead and holding on to claim the 6-3 victory.
The Lancers made quick work in the first period when just six minutes into the game graduate student Clare Conway (Billerica, MA) notched her second goal of the weekend to put Worcester State up 1-0 early. Just two minutes later the blue and gold would find the net for the second time when senior Cassidhe Wozniak (Turner Falls, MA) sent one flying past the Huskie's goalie off a crisp pass from first year Cailey Ryan (Acton, MA). After the quick two goal lead, both teams fell into a steady rhythm of opportunities and chances. As the Huskies found their footing on the ice they were able to slow the Lancer's attack. An interference penalty in the final minutes of the first provided the Huskies the chance they needed, scoring their first goal of the game to close the gap to one.
The second period again saw the Lancers on a defensive power play, as a late penalty at the end of the first period forced them into another short handed situation. While Southern Maine was able to launch three shots in the powerplay, they were unable to tie the game up, bringing the skaters even on the ice. Worcester was able to attempt a few shots of their own once evened up, but the Huskies sole focus was tying the game up and just five minutes into the second, Huskies Georgia Snow popped the ball past sophomore Kelsey Czerniawski (Chicopee, MA), tying the game up at two all. This threat was the jolt Worcester needed as they went onto a scoring spree for the remainder of the second, tapping in four goals with Wozniak recording her second of the game, and three additional Lancers contributing to the scoring rush.
The third period saw Southern Maine attempt to mount a comeback, scoring their third goal of the game to cut the lead in half, but the Lancers defense tightened the reins, shutting down any future chances. The Lancers refused to back down, keeping the offensive pressure strong in the Huskies defensive zone for the remainder of the period. While both teams each had some solid shots in the waning minutes, the Lancers squad held off any rally attempt from the Huskies to win the game with a final of 6-3.
Wozniak ended the day with two goals, while teammates first years, Caroline Gates (Natick, MA) and Jennarae Bateman (Forest Lake, MI), and senior Katie Puumala (Framingham, MA) and Conway each recorded a goal in the game. Czerniawski ended the day with a .917% save percentage and 33 saves in the afternoon.
Worcester State (8-5) will return to action at 3pm on Tuesday when they will host a rematch with the University of Southern Maine Huskies at the Fidelity Bank Ice Arena in Worcester.