Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Lancers (7-7, 2-1 MASCAC) returned to action today where they hosted the Salem State Vikings (2-10, 0-4 MASCAC).
Today's game also featured the team's Senior Day as Sarah Melanson (Wakefield, MA) and Hannah Leahey (Worcester, MA) were recognized in a pregame ceremony.
FINAL:
WORCESTER ST. | 17
SALEM ST. | 2
HOW IT HAPPENED?:
The Lancers took an early commanding lead to begin this conference matchup as they went up 5-1 in the first quarter. Junior attacker Hannah Erickson (Dunstable, MA) opened up the scoring within the first two minutes of the game, scoring on an assist from sophomore McKayla Fisher (Peabody, MA). Sophomore attacker Molly Witkowski (Greenville, MA) found the back of the net a little over a minute later, doubling the lead 2-0 on an assist from first-year midfielder Madigan Kelley (Bourne, MA). Witkowski would go back-to-back with herself with 8:18 remaining in the opening quarter. Salem St. eventually stopped the Lancer run as Jenna Wells scored with 5:52 remaining.
With under two minutes in the first, Worcester went on an 8-0 run continuing into halftime extending the lead to 11-1. Junior attacker Abigail Wing (Griswold, CT) scored twice in the remaining minute of the first quarter, the first being assisted from junior attacker Ashley Hurley (Feeding Hills, MA) and the second came from the stick of Fisher for the sophomore's second of the afternoon.
Two minutes into the second, Witkowski completed her hat trick, Kelley dishing her second assist of the game. Graduate student Shea Jarvis (Auburn, MA) inserted herself onto the score sheet to put Worcester up 7-1 followed by a hat trick completion by Wing as she fired one past the goalkeeper on a ball from Hannah Erickson. First-year midfielder Meghan Bowen (Westfield, MA) became the fifth Lancer goal scorer as she furthered Worcester's lead to 9-1, the assist being credited to Erickson once again. Witkowski on an offensive tear located teammate Wing for the attacker's fourth of the day. Kelley added more insurance before the half, scoring unassisted. Salem St. stopped the run from a Kenzie Curry as thirty seconds remained before halftime, the score 11-2.
The W's, Wing & Witkowski, connected again for Wing's fourth goal forty seconds into the second half. Jarvis followed with an unassisted goal, the graduate scoring again three minutes later, Hurley's second assist of the day. Jarvis scored her third straight, the graduate student's fourth today. In an incredible feat. Shea Jarvis scored her fifth straight goal advancing the Lancer lead 16-2 with seven minutes left in the game. First-year attacker Kerry Brown (Billerica, MA) followed with under two minutes remaining, securing Worcester's lead and locking up the win 17-2.
Junior goalkeeper Olivia LaValle (Peabody, MA) dominated in net today, allowing only two goals on 13 shots, the display of defensive strength from Worcester as they locked up Salem.
Jarvis recorded five goals, one ground ball, and two draw controls. Molly Witkowski and Abigail each scored four goals. Madigan Kelley and McKayla Fisher each had three assists on the day.
UPDATED RECORDS:
Worcester St. (8-7, 3-1)
Salem St. (2-10, 0-4)
WHAT'S NEXT?:
The Lancers will host their second straight conference matchup where they will play the Framingham St. Rams in the season's penultimate game.