Worcester, MA - The Worcester State Women's Ice Hockey team traveled to Utica Tuesday night for a pre-Thanksgiving game. The Lancers are coming off of three game wins going into the game and looked to continue the streak against a top ranked Utica College program.

The Pioneers opened up the game with a goal in the 6th minute with a shot by Kaci Ryder (Shrewsbury, MA) and assisted by Erica Sheaffer (New Hartford, NY). Worcester was quick to retaliate with a goal of their own by senior Sydney Vautour (Hamilton, MA), assisted by sophomore Caroline Gates (Natick, MA). With the game back at a tie, the teams continued to fight for a lead for the remainder of the first period. Despite the pioneers outshooting the Lancers 19-5, the Lancer defense was able to end the period without allowing another goal behind the stellar work between the pipes of sophomore Kelsey Czerniawski (Chicopee, MA).

Six minutes into the second period, Utica scored to regain the lead, this time by Sheaffer assisted by Courtney Staniszewski (Buffalo, NY) to put the Pioneers up 2-1. Worcester had multiple offensive opportunities during this period with 13 shots, but they were unable to find the back of the net as the Utica defense blocked up any path to the back of the net. 

Molly Pedone (Trinity, FL) of Utica scored in the third period, assisted by Rachel DeLong (Ballston Spa, NY). Towards the end of the period, the Pioneers would score again for the final time this time off a Carolyn Whitney (Raleigh, NC) shot sent the puck into the net, with a pass from Hailey Modlin (Phoenix, AZ).Czerniawski had 43 saves on the game. Gates and Vautor both took 3 shots while senior Cassidhe Wozniak (Turners Falls, MA) took 5. 

The Lancers return to action after Thanksgiving break on December 2 when they face off with Anna Maria at 7:20pm.