Cambridge, MA --- MIT senior Michaelann Rodriguez (Florence, AL) potted both markers for the hosting #20 Engineers as they defeated Worcester State, 2-1, in non-conference women's soccer action this evening at Steinbrenner Field.

MIT, who is ranked #20 in the latest NSCAA Continental Tire National Rankings and third regionally, upped their record to 2-1 while the Lancers even out to 1-1 with the setback.

Junior Shelby Archer (Dayville, CT) helped the Blue and Gold claim the early 1-0 advantage in the 12th minute. Finding herself with some open space in front of the net, Archer shot the ball from the right corner of the field and over the keepers head to net her second marker of the campaign.

But the Cardinal and Gray evened the score 5 1/2 minutes later when sophomore Priyanka Gaur (Austin, TX) fed a pass to Rodriguez.

MIT took the 2-1 lead over in the 21st minute on an unassisted tally by Rodriguez, who stole the ball from Worcester State sophomore keeper Jillian Witkowski (Leicester, MA). Rodriguez then fired and her bid ricocheted off the post into the net for her squad-best third of the year. 

From that point forward, both teams had their chances, but neither could capitalize.

Witkowski finished the contest with an astounding 19 saves - with 13 coming in a thrilling scoreless second stanza.

MIT freshman Tamar Weseley (Weston, CT) and classmate Lauren Ullmann (Princeton, NJ) combined for five stops in the triumph as they both played one half each for the Engineers. Ulmann yielded the lone goal and she turned aside the other two shots she saw on net.

The Engineers enjoyed a 35-12 edge in shots (21-6 on goal) and the 6-0 edge in corners.

Both squads will play again on Saturday. Worcester State travels to Rhode Island College for a 3 PM game while MIT hosts Emmanuel at 10 AM.

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