Worcester, MA --- Senior Kaleigh Evans (Saugus, MA) notched the game-winning goal in the 54th minute off an assist by classmate Alyssa Sawyer (W. Springfield, MA) as the pair helped propel Worcester State to a 2-1 victory over Albertus Magnus in the season opener for both squads.

The Lancers started off the contest by staking the 1-0 margin just 3:45 into the contest.

After Falcon junior goalkeeper Maria Case (W. Haven, CT) came out of the net to make a stop, she lost control of the ball on the ground. Junior Beth Spinazzola (Westford, MA), who stayed in pursuit, kicked the loose ball right to sophomore Kendal Bergenholtz (Grafton, MA) for the early advantage.

Albertus Magnus knotted up the game 1-1 in the 21st minute by taking advantage of a penalty kick.

With sophomore Danielle Polvan (E. Haven, CT) at the line, her attempt glanced off the left post, but freshman Shannon Murphy (Hamden, CT) caught the ricochet and she hit home her first collegiate marker.

Following corner kicks to start of the second period, the Falcons had two great chances on bids by Murphy and freshman Kaitlyn Fedumenti (Stratford, CT), however, junior netminder Jillian Witkowski (Leicester, MA) scooped up both shots to preserve the tied contest.

The Blue and Gold gained the momentum when Sawyer found Evans by the left corner. Evans then dribbled across the baseline and fired home her third collegiate tally for the go-ahead score.

From that point forward, Worcester State's back line stiffened and did a tremendous job by now allowing Albertus Magnus to make a single shot in the final 35 minutes of regulation.

The Lancers enjoyed a 9-5 edge in shots as shots on goal were even (4-4). Case was called upon to make two saves while Witkowski stopped three of four shots between the pipes.

Albertus Magnus travel on Monday's holiday to MCLA for a 1 PM matchup while the Lancers host NEWMAC preseason favorite MIT on Tuesday at 7 o'clock.