Women’s lacrosse fights for top spot in MASCAC

By Taylor Kimmell Asst. Sports Editor The Framingham State Rams lost a tough battle against the Worcester State Lancers in a conference matchup April 22. The ball was handed to Worcester for a free position shot 3 minutes in. The shot was skillfully deflected by Framingham goalkeeper Isabella DiMare, a junior. The first goal of the game was scored by the Lancers 4 minutes in. The following minute saw another save from DiMare on a Lancers’ free position shot, a successful clearance by FSU’s defense, and Framingham’s first goal of the game, scored by senior Alessia Lye with an assist from Captain Leah Green, a senior. Less than a minute later, following a draw control victory from Green, FSU scored a second goal on a shot by junior Kelley DeBellis, assisted by senior Hailey Baker. Baker was awarded the title of MASCAC Offensive Player of the Week April 21. Worcester tied the game 2-2 less than a minute later. Framingham once again took the lead with a goal from freshman Emma Kendzulak. Worcester quickly stole offensive control, with another goal slotted just 30 seconds later, followed by the Lancers decisively taking back the lead with an additional goal. The Rams were quick to match the pace of their opponent, with Baker assisting freshman Madeline Bosma in tying the match 4-4. Bosma was named MASCAC Rookie of the Week April 21. Bosma said winning the award “definitely makes me feel more confident. It’s nice to see the hard work pay off, and it pushes me to keep improving.” The quarter concluded following two shots from FSU - one from Kendzulak and one from Baker. Worcester was quick to the net, starting the second quarter with a goal just 22 seconds after the starting whistle blew. Six minutes passed before the next goal - this one scored by Green off of a pass from Baker following a blocked free position shot. The dynamic duo of Green and Baker continued to amp up the pressure, with another goal scored exactly 30 seconds later. Worcester’s offense did not relent, scoring another tying goal with 7:14 remaining before the half. In a startling change of pace, the Lancers added three more goals to the board during the quarter. Baker contributed one more goal for Framingham, taking advantage of a free position shot to wrap up the first half 9-7 in favor of WSU. Two shots from Green and a shot each from DeBellis and Bosma led to a perfectly executed goal on a free position shot by Kendzulak. Several more shots from FSU followed, but Worcester’s offense persisted and eventually netted another goal. In the following minute, Captain Maggie Grout, a senior, scored for Framingham, assisted by Baker. The Lancers scored once more during the third quarter, bringing the score to 11-9, with the Rams just behind. The final quarter yielded much success for Worcester on the scoring end. The Lancers scored six goals over the course of the quarter. Framingham’s two goals for the quarter came from Kendzulak - each on a well-executed free position shot. The game ended with a win for Worcester with a score of 17-11. Of FSU’s four advantageous free positions shots, Kendzulak was responsible for three. Despite their impressive goals and shots during the match, there were several factors that contributed to the Rams’ downfall. Baker said, “They’re a really strong defensive team, so I think that made it a little difficult for us, but moving the ball fast and moving their defense around found success for us.” Also notable are the 23 draw controls won by Worcester in contrast to Framingham’s eight. In addition to the Lancers’ aggressive offense, their defense proved difficult to penetrate. Bosma said, “It was hard to get good shots off because they were closing in fast and reading our passes well. “Both teams played hard. We stay motivated by staying positive and hyping each other up. We just focus on the next play and keep pushing,” she added. With just one game remaining in the season, Bosma said the team is preparing by working on quick passes and communication on the field, as well as reviewing game footage. Baker said, “We’re fighting for a MASCAC top spot. Our motivation is really toward getting home field for the tournament.” With conference records perfectly tied, the Rams and the Westfield State Owls will face off in their final game of regular-season play April 26 - the match determining who will come into the playoffs in the top spot.