WORCESTER, Mass. - Sophomore Ali Maldonado (Rutland, Mass.) and freshman Valerie Gordon (Lowell, Mass.) each recorded their first goals in a Lancer uniform on Thursday evening as the Worcester State University women's soccer team claimed a 2-1 win over Becker College in non-conference action at Coughlin Field.
With the win, Worcester State improves to 2-4 on the season, while the Hawks fall to 2-2-1.
Worcester State held a heavy shot advantage in the opening half, but was unable to find the back of the net. Becker freshman goalkeeper Lyndsey Cobb-Wilkins (Elmira, N.Y.) was a big part of the defensive effort for the Hawks in the first half, recording six saves as the Lancers outshot the guests 12-2 in the frame.
Maldonado opened the scoring early in the second half, tallying her first goal of the season in the 52nd minute. Maldonado was able to net a rocket from 30 yards out on a direct free kick to give the Lancers a 1-0 advantage.
The lead was short-lived however, as the Hawks tied the score just 4:18 later. Freshman forward Skyler Tenney (Jaffrey, N.H.) tallied her first collegiate goal to level the score, but it was not stay tied for long. Under five minutes later, in the 61st minute, Gordon would claim her own first collegiate goal. The tally would hold and become the game-winning goal, and senior Nikki DiPilla (Sterling, Mass.) recorded an assist on the score.
Cobb-Wilkins made eight saves in the loss for the Hawks, and senior Jordyn Martel (Chicopee, Mass.) made four saves in relief. The win went to Worcester State's Ashley Spellman (Lancaster, Mass.), who made three saves in the win.
Next up for the Lancers. they will continue their four game home stand with the conference opener against MCLA on Saturday. Becker will be back in action the same day, hosting New England College at 11 a.m.