KEENE, N.H. - Sophomore Talia Borci (Leicester, Mass.) ended the shutout in the 89th minute, but it was too little too late as the Worcester State University women's soccer team suffered a 3-1 defeat in non-conference action Monday evening at Owl Stadium.
Keene State (3-7-1) struck in the opening minute, as Stephanie Spitz crossed the ball into the box where she found Taylor Bisaillion who touched it past the Worcester State keeper. The Lancers had an excellent scoring opportunity with their first shot of the game, as Tayla O'Leary (Salem, Mass.) had a one-on-one play with Abbie Terrinca, but was denied of her shot. Alex Kennedy added to the Keene State lead, as the freshman ripped a shot from 25 yards out and snuck just under the crossbar. The score would remain 2-0 heading into halftime, with the Owls having an 8-6 advantage in the shot department.
Keene State came out of the intermission firing the first six shots of the half before the Lancers (6-6-0) had their best scoring chance of the game. In the 55th minute, freshman Maggie Symonds (Windham, Maine) dangled around Owl defender and fired a shot on target. Nicole De Almeida made the save as she cleared the ball from the goal line. Keene State eventually extended the lead to 3-0, as Spitz settled a bouncing ball in the box before she found Kaliana Palhof who scored her first collegiate goal with seven minutes remaining in regulation. The Lancers refused to be shut out, as Borci found the back of the net. The sophomore forward streaked down the right sideline and placed the ball in the top left corner of the cage with just 84 seconds remaining.
Abbie Terrinca and Ashley Spellman (Lancaster, Mass.) both picked up five saves apiece. Keene State outshot the Lancers 19-14, while Worcester State held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Up next, Keene State continues Little East Conference play on Wednesday, October 10th as they host Southern Maine at 6 p.m. Worcester is off until Saturday, October 13th as the Lancers host Salem State at 12 p.m.
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Release courtesy of Keene State College Sports Information.