Keene State 3, Worcester State 2
Keene, N.H. --- The Keene State women's soccer team over came a two goal halftime deficit to post a 3-2 come-from-behind non-conference win over Worcester State in Keene on Wednesday night.
Down a couple of goals at the break, the Owls chipped away at the lead with sophomore midfielder Nora Mahoney (Belchertown, MA.) getting the go ahead goal at the 74:33 mark of the second half.
"Molly (Brunelle) gave me a great through ball, the keeper was right there and I just placed it in the top corner," said Mahoney, who also got an assist on the tying goal minutes earlier. "It was the best game I've ever been involved in this season. A great win."
A pair of freshman midfielders combined to score the first goal of the game for Worcester State. Nikki Scott (Berlin, MA) knocked in a cross ball from Danielle Clifford (Attleboro, MA.) following an indirect kick at the 29:32 mark.
Set up in front on a pass from sophomore forward Sarah Connors (Gardner, MA), Clifford gave WSC a 2-0 lead five minutes later with a shot to the short side of the net.
Disappointed in her team's play in the first half, KSC Coach Denise Lyons was pleased that her team was able to regroup for the win. "The game showed the character of the team," she said. "We were patient. I told them not to panic at halftime and finish your opportunities."
Sophomore forward Katie Bradford (Lebanon, N.H.) began the rally with a goal at the 61:47 mark of second half. Bradford controlled a loose ball in the box and fired it into the far corner of the net for her team-leading 11th goal of the season.
Keeping the pressure in the Lancer's side of the field, the Owls got the equalizer at the 71:43 mark when Mahoney found a streaking Michelle Boland (Worcester, MA) at the right corner of the net. The senior midfielder put the ball just insides the post for her fourth goal of the season.
Not letting up, the Owls got the game-winner three minutes later.
The Lancers had a couple of chances to get the tie the game in the closing minutes. Clifford had a direct kick from 30-yards out and senior forward Tiffany Rotatori (Auburn, MA) go a shot off in traffic, but KSC junior goalie Samantha Hirsh (Holliston, MA) handled both attempts.
Hirsh stopped three shots. Lancer goalie Rachael Armenti (W. Boylston, MA) finished the game with six saves.
Winner of six of their last seven games, the Owls (9-2) have a key Little East game at eastern Conn. on Saturday (1 p.m.).
Worcester State (5-3-1) is home against Framingham State on Saturday for an 11 a.m. MASCAC game.
Release Courtesy of Keene State Sports
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