N. Dartmouth, MA --- Sophomore Alaina Martin (E. Longmeadow, MA) and freshman Alexis Vecchiarelli (Agawam, MA) both registered hat-tricks as they helped pace Worcester State to a 15-9 triumph over UMass Dartmouth in non-conference women's lacrosse action this evening.

With the win the Lancers are off to their best start since going 6-0 in 2006. The Corsairs slip to 0-3 in the setback.

Junior Jackie Connors (Ashland, MA) and classmate Kaila Chase (Northbridge, MA) collected six and five points, respectively, with Connors tallying twice and dishing out four assists while Chase deposited four markers.

Connors was also a force defensively with six draw controls, three ground balls and five forced miscues. Senior Angela Grassetti (Feeding Hills, MA) also added four ground balls and a trio of draws.

Junior Colleen Kane (Arlington, MA) tied for the game-lead with four goals as senior Sarah Kalmes (Billerica, MA) distinguished herself on the back line picking up five ground balls and she had four caused turnovers.

Freshman Erin Kish (Littleton, MA) had a squad-best four draws and sophomore Kelly Kryzak (Salisbury, MA) had five ground balls.

Worcester State took over the early 3-0 edge with two goals by Chase nine minutes into the contest before UMD scored less than one minute apart when sophomore Taylor Hill (Braintree, MA) and Kane found the back of the net.

But the Lancers closed out the stanza with a 4-1 run to take over the 7-3 margin at the intermission.

Connors helped the Blue and Gold push the advantage to five early in the second, but the Corsairs utilized a 5-1 spurt to get within two of the lead as 14:26 remained in regulation (10-8).

Worcester State, however, responded by closing out the game with a 5-1 outburst of their own over the final 13 minutes of the game for the final score.

Vecchiarelli had two goals and Connors moved past former standout Ann Clark (2003-06) for second place on the career list for assists (79) with two helpers in the surge.

Sophomore Lea Robichaud (Rutland, MA) collected a season-best 12 saves for WSU while freshman Erin LeBlanc (Walpole, MA) turned aside eight shots.

Worcester State held decisive leads in attempts on net (23-21), draw controls (14-12) and ground balls (25-23).

Both squads open their respective conference slates this Saturday on the road. The Lancers travel to Westfield State for a 1 PM meeting while UMass Dartmouth faces off against Western Connecticut in a 3 o'clock draw.

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