By Taylor Kimmell Staff Writer The Rams hosted the Bridgewater State Bears for the MASCAC quarter-finals Nov. 5. Bridgewater State’s offense was strong out of the gate. The team pressured the defense and kept the ball near FSU’s net for the entirety of the first quarter. BSU’s shot on net at 4:36 was shut down by sophomore goaltender Kaitlyn Tello. Seconds later, Bridgewater maneuvered around the Rams’ defensive players, netting the ball for the first goal of the game. BSU had one more attempt on goal during the quarter - the shot blocked on a stick save from freshman Mikayla Malmquist. The second quarter began similarly to the first, with BSU putting pressure on the Rams’ net. The Bears scored another goal a minute and a half into the quarter. The Rams remained diligent on the defensive end, clearing many of Bridgewater’s attempts to make it into the circle. Unfortunately, FSU was unable to hold off every advance, and BSU scored once again. Framingham State battled back toward the end of the quarter. Graduate student Kaitlin Loughlin and graduate student and Captain Angelina Serra expertly passed the ball back and forth down the field, earning the team a corner with less than 2 minutes until halftime. Seconds later, Captain Kaylee Beck, a senior, netted the ball to put a point on the board for the Rams with an assist from Serra. Framingham came into the second half of the game with renewed vigor, keeping pace with Bridgewater for a greater part of the third quarter. FSU brought the ball into the circle multiple times, but never close enough to score a goal. Six minutes into the quarter, Bridgewater earned a corner and attempted to score. The Rams held their own in the face of each shot, with saves from freshman goalie Rowan Whittaker and sophomore defender Marina Cadena. Framingham cleared the ball, bringing it back across the 50-yard line for several minutes before losing possession to BSU. The Bears stole the ball, rushing back down the field for a wild shot that sailed far to the side of the net. During the final quarter of the game, Bridgewater started off strong with a corner less than a minute in, which resulted in their fourth and final shot of the game. FSU made an effort to capitalize on their possession of the ball, allowing Serra to take it to the net and send in a shot. Bridgewater goaltender Brianna Gagnon would allow nothing to get by. The remaining 10 minutes of the game were eventful. BSU took control on the offensive end, earning a corner at 50:28 which they were unable to take advantage of. The Rams managed offensive play for the remainder of the game. They earned two corners back to back, enabling freshman Finley Hogan to take several shots on net. Unfortunately, none made it past Gagnon. FSU earned an additional two corners just a minute later. Cadena attempted to score, but was turned away with a block from Gagnon. Senior Emily Riggins made one final play, shooting the ball in the last 30 seconds of the game. The attempt was stopped by Bridgewater’s goalie, and the game ended with a score of 1-4, a loss for Framingham which marked the end of the season. Senior Julie Hadley noted the team had suffered some pre-game anxiety. “We had beat Bridgewater twice coming into that game. … We were all trying to rally and hype each other up despite the inward stress and anticipation we may have been feeling internally.” Whittaker said Bridgewater’s offensive advances had caused the Rams to struggle. “Bridgewater came out strong in the first half and pressured us heavily defensively, which we struggled to recover from.” Hogan said the team had a productive season despite some internal struggles. “We definitely faced some adversity with a lot of injuries. … But we faced it well and as a team.” Beck said, “I can confidently sit here and say this program was the best experience I’ve had at FSU. Win or lose, we are a family and always will be.” Hadley added, “I can’t wait to see the potential of this team come alive. I definitely see a MASCAC title in their future.”