Worcester, MA - Worcester State Women's Ice hockey faced off against Castleton Friday night for their third home game of the season. 

The first period began with strong offensive pressure by Castleton, but the Lancers held it down defensively. Shots remained almost even as Castleton had 6 to Worcester's 7. In the 11th minute the puck was sent in front of the Lancer net and was in a contested battle before Castleton's Victoria Bakopanos (Kirkland, QC) got her stick on it to earn the first goal of the game and the only goal of the period. 

Worcester saw several close goal opportunities in the second period, one of which came from senior Amy Maclashing (Marlborough, MA) sending the puck around a defender and passing it to senior Cassidhe Wozniak (Turners Falls, MA) in front of the net. Castleton responded with two goals, one of which scored unassisted by Emily Harris (Crondall, England). The next was a goal by Taylor Adams (Frankford, ON) assisted by #21 Ellie Schliebener (Ottawa, ON). With less than a minute left, the Lancers retaliated with a goal of their own by sophomore Cailey Ryan (Acton, MA) assisted by senior Ellen Cook (Beckett, MA). 

Lancer sophomore Kelsey Czerniawski (Chicopee, MA) made solid stops in goal to keep Castleton from scoring in the third period. The Lancers offense had some great breakaways and shots that Castleton was able to just knock aside. With a minute left, Worcester pulled their goalie but unfortunately Castleton was able to gain possession and Adams scored on the empty net. The game ended in a 4-1 loss. 

Worcester (1-3, 0-1) returns to action tomorrow when they head to Rivier as they look for their first conference win of the season.