Lancers advance in MASCAC Tournament with shutout victory

Worcester, MA - The #3 Seed Lancers hosted the #5 Seed MCLA Trailblazers in a MASCAC Quarter Final Showdown on a cloudy Tuesday afternoon at Coughlin Field. A hard fought battle in both nets the entire 90 minutes eventually went Worcester's way as the Lancers shut out the Trailblazers and advanced in the MASCAC playoff tournament. 

FINAL SCORE: Worcester 3, MCLA 0

SCORING PLAYS:

14:47 - Worcester | Taylor Gavaletz (1), assisted by Manny Ramirez (6)

62:28 - Worcester | Luke-Mark Anu (5), assisted by Manny Ramirez (7)

76:18 - Worcester | Brady Iovanni (2), unassisted 

First year Midfielder Taylor Gavaletz (Dudley, MA) led the Lancers in the first half with four shots (three on goal), including his first career goal which came just under fifteen minutes after kickoff. Gavaletz's goal was assisted by Junior Midfielder Manny Ramirez (Waltham, MA), his sixth in their 2022 campaign. 

The Trailblazers' senior keeper Sam Edge had an impressive first 45 minutes in the net, recording eight saves from nine shots on goal, including saves from two rapid rebound shots and going airborne multiple times. Edge wrapped up what could have been his final game of his career in outstanding fashion, finishing with a total of twelve saves on fifteen shots. 

Lancer keeper Andy Ramirez (Waltham, MA) finished with four saves on four shots on goal for Worcester. 

Worcester State extended their lead with a header shot into the net from junior forward Luke-Mark Anu (Salem, MA) in the 62nd minute, assisted by Ramirez. This was Anu's fifth goal of the season, while Ramirez brings his assist tally to seven. 

In the 76th minute, a shot from first year midfielder Wilber Garcia (Bilbao, Spain) that was blocked by Edge was rebounded by first year forward Brady Iovanni (Lunenburg, MA), putting Worcester up 3-0 with just under fifteen to go in the game. 

Worcester State recorded a total of 23 shots (15 on goal), while MCLA shot 9 (4 on goal). 

The Trailblazers bow out of the 2022 MASCAC Tournament, while the Lancers move on to the semifinals. The Blue & Gold continue their campaign with a trip to #2 seed Salem St. to face the Vikings in the semi-finals, with kickoff scheduled for 7pm.