Worcester, MA --- Senior Christina Vernaci (Saugus, MA) netted two goals for Worcester State in a 6-0 triumph over MASCAC rival Massachusetts Maritime Academy in women's soccer action this afternoon at Coughlin Field.
The Lancers (10-3-1, 4-1 MASCAC) are now tied with Fitchburg State for the top spot in the conference standings. The Falcons were blanked 1-0 by MCLA earlier today.
WSU started the scoring in the 6th minute of the game when freshman Therese Morss (Marion, MA) netted her fifth goal of the season off a breakaway pass by senior Nikki Scott (Berlin, MA). They added their next goal nine minutes later when Morss launched a pass from the right to classmate Sarina Lathrop (Hopedale, MA) for her second goal of the year.
Seven minutes later, freshman Cassie Giardina (Pittsfield, MA) netted her third goal of the season off a pass by junior Courtney Pellon (Uxbridge, MA) putting the Lancers ahead 3-0.
Vernaci's two goals then came consecutively at the 32nd and 38th minutes of the contest. Her first tally was unassisted as she shot a ball from the top of the box while her second goal came from the right side off an assist by sophomore Laura Maunsell (Medford, MA).
Maunsell capped off the scoring for the Lancers as she made the score 6-0 in the 43rd minute on a dish by freshman Shelby Archer (Dayville, MA).
The Buccaneers (2-10, 0-5 MASCAC) were led by senior Kerri Conway (W. Springfield, MA) who attempted four shots on goal.
WSU goaltenders, senior Angieszaka Sychtysz (Warren, MA) and freshman Danielle Grunbaum (Marlboro, MA), combined to shutout the Buccaneers with Grunbaum making one save. Mass. Maritime goalie Emily Welsh (Shelton, CT) made seven stops.
The Blue and Gold held the 23-5 shot advantage over MMA and a slight 2-1 edge in corners. The shutout was the sixth of the season for the Lancers.
Worcester State will be hosts next Saturday against MASCAC foe Salem State for an 11 AM affair while Mass. Maritime travels to UMass Boston on Tuesday for a 3:30 tilt.
Release by Jim Sarkisian – Sports Information Intern