Worcester, MA --- Freshman Kelli McPherson (Mansfield, MA) notched the game-winning stroke 5:03 into overtime on a pass from senior Molly Cotter (N. Easton, MA) off a penalty corner to help lead Worcester State to a 2-1 victory this evening over cross-town rival Clark.

Trailing 1-0 with 10:28 remaining in the second period, sophomore Lindsey McGeary (Foxboro, MA) knotted the contest on a breakaway as she received a feed at the top of the circle from fourth-year Samantha Janda (Sterling, MA).

After a scoreless first half that saw the hosts hold a 7-2 edge in shots, junior Mel Melkonian (Worcester, MA/St. Peter-Marian) broke the ice on a penalty stroke at the 60:32 mark.

Both squads back lines played phenomenal defense to keep the game gridlocked at 0-0 over the first 65 minutes of play.

In the opening frame, senior Haley Erickson (Saugus, MA) stopped a bid at the open net by Melkonian, who had eight of Clark's 13 shots. For the Cougars, sophomore Erin O'Neil (Willington, CT) made a tremendous defensive save after a stroke by McGeary with eight minutes remaining in the second half to keep the game tied 1-1.

Overall, Clark held a slight lead in shots (13-12) and the Cougars had a 14-8 advantage in penalty corners.

Junior Rebecca Mullen (Peabody, MA) was aggressive between the pipes as she recorded a career-best 11 saves. Senior Kate McGrath (Wilmington, MA) turned aside five shots in the setback.

Tonight's win marked the first career triumph for head coach Susie Whelan and it snapped a four-game drought to their cross-town rivals. The Lancers also open the season with a victory for the first time since the 2007 season.

The two squads will return to action on Saturday afternoon. Worcester State will entertain Elms at 12 PM while Clark travels to New England College for a 1 o'clock contest.