WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester State University has been picked to finish fourth in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) women's lacrosse championship, as voted on by the coaches from around the league.
Last year, the Lancers finished fourth in conference play and concluded the season at 9-10 overall and 4-3 in league action. This year the Lancers will be under direction of first year head coach, Kelly Downs, who has been with the team four five years total.
Returning for the Lancers is senior co-captain, Alaina Martin (E. Longmeadow, Mass.) who finished third on the team in total points with 64, netting 40 goals and 24 assists while also collecting 14 ground balls and forcing 10 turnovers.
Other key returners include senior co-captain Angelina Sutherland (Tewksbury, Mass.), and juniors Mackenzie Little (Marlboro, Mass.) and Alexis Vecchiarelli (Agawam, Mass.). Sutherland and Little collected 36 points apiece at the midfield position, while Vecchiarelli tallied 35. Sutherland was second on the 2016 squad in draw controls (49) while Little converted 7-of-15 free position shots.
The Lancers also bring back senior goaltender Krissy Pessa (Walpole, Mass.), while they add new key players, including Lindsey Hoggins (Harvard, Mass.) and Kelly Austin (Brimfield, Mass.) to the midfield.
Worcester State begins competition on Saturday, Mar. 4 when they host Western Connecticut in their home opener at 12 noon.
2017 MASCAC Women's Lacrosse Pre-Season Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes In Parentheses)
|
1. |
Bridgewater State |
(5) |
47 points |
|
2. |
Westfield State |
(2) |
44 points |
|
3. |
Fitchburg State |
(1) |
35 points |
|
4. |
Worcester State |
33 points |
|
|
5. |
Framingham State |
|
25 points |
|
6. |
Salem State |
|
19 points |
|
7. |
Mass. Maritime |
|
13 points |
|
8. |
MCLA |
|
8 points |