09/06/2007
Women's Soccer Drops Non-Conference Game to Worcester State, 3-1

WORCESTER, MASS. 09/06/07 -- Worcester State College erupted for three first half goals to secure a 3-1 victory over Clark University in non-conference women’s soccer action played Thursday at Granger Field.

Clark falls to 1-2. Worcester State improves to 1-1.

The Lancers wasted no time getting on the board as Lauren Cush (Hudson, Mass.) found the back of the net just :36 seconds into the game. Positioned at the top of the box, the senior midfielder received a pass from Katelyn Bonetti (Plymouth, Mass.) and fired a shot in the upper right corner for a 1-0 lead.

The Lancers put the game away with a pair of goals just over three minutes apart. Junior Tiffany Rotatori (Auburn, Mass.) put home Cush’s corner kick at the 17:00 minute mark to extend the Lancer’s lead (2-0) and Cush converted for her second goal of the season at 20:14.

Junior Kari Mruz (Hingham, Mass.) had Clark’s best opportunity to score in the half. She collected a loose ball and placed a hard-shot on goal that Lancer goalie Erin Doherty (Uxbridge, Mass.) bobbled with seven minutes remaining.

The Cougars prevented the shutout after sophomore Kerri Moy’s (Newton, Mass.) drive from the 18-yard box sailed over relief goalie Rachel Armanti’s (West Boylston, Mass.) reach with 6:23 left in the game. It was her first collegiate goal. Senior Jen Dineen (Groveland, Mass.) was credited with an assist on the play.

Clark had a strong bid to make it a one-goal game with a minute and a half left, but Amanda Ramos’ (Williston Park, N.Y.) shot was stopped by a diving Armanti.

Cush had two goals and an assist to lead Worcester State.

Worcester State outshot Clark, 13-8.

Sophomore Joanna Clark (Windham, Me.) turned aside six shots for Clark. Doherty made three saves, while Armanti stopped one shot for Worcester State.

Clark will entertain Rhode Island College on Saturday (3:30 p.m.). Worcester State will travel to MIT that same day for a Noon start.