Worcester, MA --- Sophomore Makayla Moran (Leominster, MA) booted an unassisted 35-yard tally in the 43rd minute for the eventual game-winner as Worcester State defeated Keene State in non-conference women's soccer action this evening at Coughlin Field.
With the win the Lancers run their streak to six straight, following a 0-2-1 start, while the Owls slip to 6-5 on the season. WSU also snapped a four-game losing streak to the Keene State as their last triumph was a 3-0 shutout during the 2007 season. KSC holds a 2-10-1 edge since the two teams started playing regularly in 1999.
Following a lot of back and forth action to start off the game, Keene State opened the games scoring when senior Melissa Dempsey (E. Weymouth, MA) slipped past the defense on a free kick and scored on a pass down the middle from sophomore Kelsey Bailey (Barre, VT) in the 25th minute. Dempsey's goal was the third time she's found the net this season.
The Lancers responded and knotted the score nearly 10 minutes later when freshman Cassie Giardina (Pittsfield, MA) launched a shot directly off the foot of senior Sarah Rafferty (Uxbridge, MA) from 20-yards away that hit the crossbar and went into the goal for her second marker of the year.
That set the stage for Moran's long bid for her first career goal with 2:58 remaining in the opening frame that allowed Worcester State to take a 2-1 advantage at the intermission.
Play continued to alternate between the two squads in the second half, but WSU eventually would tack on another marker in the 75th minute when first-year Therese Morss (Marion, MA) netted her third goal of the season on a feed from senior Danielle Clifford (Attleboro, MA).
The Owls had chances late to score 50 seconds after the Lancers third marker on a shot that went wide right by sophomore Jessica Berthiaume (Worcester, MA/St. Peter-Marian) and again in the 85th minute on a bid by junior Brittany Croteau (Swanzey, NH), but her attempt was kicked out of the defensive zone.
WSU senior goalie Angiezaka Sychtysz (Warren, MA) and fourth-year Keene State keeper Megan Dempsey (E. Weymouth, MA) both finished with five saves apiece for their respective teams.
Worcester State held the slight lead in shots (17-14) and enjoyed a 6-3 edge in corners.
Both teams continue their respective conference schedules on the road this Saturday. The Lancers head to Bridgewater State for a 3:30 match-up against the Bears while the Owls head to Plymouth State for a 1 o'clock kick-off.