DARTMOUTH, Mass. – UMass Dartmouth put a number on the scoreboard first, but Worcester State responded with three goals within 15 minutes to close the first half, resulting in a 3-1 victory for the Lancers on Wednesday evening.
With the win, the Lancers advance to 7-6-1 on the year, while the Corsairs dip to 5-11-2. The Lancers prevail for the first time over UMass Dartmouth since a 5-2 victory in 2013.
On UMass Dartmouth's first corner kick of the contest, freshman Jennifer Woehl (Middletown, R.I.) put a well-placed ball into the middle of the box, and Sarah Pacheco (Somerset, Mass.) connected for the header, sending a rocket shot over top of Worcester State goalkeeper Tori Trifone (Southbridge, Mass.) for her first career goal.
The Lancers then gathered a quick counter, stealing the ball at midfield. Freshman Skyler Alves (Ashburnham, Mass.) sent a pass behind the Corsair defense, and junior Ashleigh Howland (Wilmington, Mass.) won the foot race to send the ball past keeper Madison Boucher (Southampton, Mass.)
Just five minutes later, Alves prevailed in a one-on-one charge to the net, putting her shot into the bottom left corner and delivering the lasting lead. With less than five minutes remaining in the half, a Corsair hand ball in the box gave a penalty kick try to Worcester State senior Sarah Kane (Sutton, Mass.), who converted above Boucher's head for her first goal of the season.
Despite both teams upping their offensive production in the second half, the score would hold. The Lancers nearly tallied a fourth goal on a breakaway in the 69th minute, but Boucher turned away the point-blank shot to keep the margin.
Boucher finished the game with six saves, while Worcester State's Trifone registered her first collegiate win in a four-save performance.
UMass Dartmouth remains at Cressy Field for Saturday's Senior Day matchup with Plymouth State at 1 p.m., which is the last regular season game for both teams. Worcester State wraps up the regular season and MASCAC play at Bridgewater State at noon on Saturday.
Release Courtesy of UMass Dartmouth Sports Information