WORCESTER, Mass. -- Senior Cassie Giardina (Pittsfield, MA) netted the game-winning goal with 4:11 remaining in regulation to preserve a 1-0 victory over Bridgewater State this afternoon in MASCAC action at John Coughlin Memorial Field.
The Lancers improved to 8-2 on the campaign while running their conference record to an unbeaten 3-0. Meanwhile, the Bears fell to 3-7 (0-3 MASCAC) with the defeat.
Early on, Bridgewater State senior Emily Lane (Parsonsfield, ME) provided the best scoring chances for either side in the first half on a pair of free kicks, but her bids were turned away both times by the
Lancers sophomore goalie Jillian Witkowski (Leicester, MA) preserving the scoreless first half.
Scoring opportunities were scarce for most of the game as both sides played the majority of the contest in the midfield.
Worcester State nearly ended the scoreless drought in the 64th minute mark of the second half when freshman Justine Butler (Marlboro, MA) headed a cross from senior Alicia Macomber (Stoughton, MA) toward net only to be denied by sophomore Amanda Leite (New Bedford, MA) for a key team save.
Giardina though finally broke the ice in the 85th minute when she received a cross from classmate Kaleigh Evans (Saugus, MA) and fired a strike to the top left corner, for her third tally of the season for the deciding score.
The Bears only second half scoring opportunity came with just over 10 minutes remaining. Freshman Margarita Delaporta (Canton, MA) found just enough space inside the box to unleash a shot on net. However, Witkowski was there to keep the game scoreless.
The Bears did not get another quality opportunity on net for the final five minutes of the game as they did the best they could along the far sideline with several throw-ins. Lancer back line though stiffened and maintained the one-goal margin for the victory.
Witkowski needed just three saves to record the shutout and improve to 7-2 on the season. Bears junior goalkeeper Kristin Reardon (Weymouth, MA) recorded four stops in the loss and fell to 1-2.
Worcester State outshot Bridgewater State 14-3 (5-3 on goal) and held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Both squads return to action Wednesday in a pair of non-conference games. The Lancers travel to Keene State for a 6:30 kickoff, while the Bears kickoff at 7:00 against Roger Williams.