By Adam Levine, Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams hold a record of 3-4 after the opening seven games of the season.
The Rams opened their season with an assertive 17-2 away win over the Wellesley College Blue Feb. 22.
Framingham’s attacker, Hannah Guerin, and midfielder, Rachel Erickson, combined for 11 goals in the match.
Framingham dropped their away matchup against the Springfield College Pride 21-14 March 1.
Springfield took 42 shots, 32 of which were shots on goal, during the match. Framingham only recorded 27 shots, 25 of which were shots on goal.
Despite their loss, Guerin found the back of the net five times for the second game in a row.
Guerin said, “Scoring opportunities start from great draw control wins and great defensive stops, so it's definitely important to note how awesome our midfielders, defenders, and goalies are at doing those things that ultimately help us produce on the attacking end.”
The Rams suffered a second loss in a row during their away matchup to the Endicott College Gulls 14-10 March 3.
Endicott took an early 3-0 lead to end the first quarter and later extended their lead to 6 points at the end of the third quarter.
The Rams bounced back with a win during their close home matchup against the Wheaton College Lyons 17-16 March 8.
Wheaton led most of the game, but Framingham’s Guerin and Erickson pieced together back-to-back goals in the final minute of the third quarter to tie the game and take a lead.
With 4:46 left in the game, the Lyons regained the lead with a 4-0 scoring run.
Framingham’s Guerin and Erickson once again scored back-to-back goals to secure the Rams’ 17-16 victory.
Framingham traveled to Panama City, Florida for two games March 14 and March 16.
The Rams dominated their first game in Panama City 25-7 against the Ohio Northern University Polar Bears March 14.
The Rams doubled the Polar Bears in shots taken, shooting 38 compared to the Polar Bears’ 19.
Framingham’s midfielder, Regan Fein, broke out with a season-high four goals off four shots during the match.
Fein said, “I help in facilitating plays and opening up opportunities for other teammates.
“I continue to work hard in putting the ball in the back of the net,” Fein added.
Framingham fell short in their second Panama City matchup 17-12 to the United States Merchant Marine Academy Mariners March 16.
Framingham led for most of the game, but the Mariners tied up the game at 11-11 to end the third quarter.
The Mariners and Rams traded goals to start the fourth quarter, but Merchant Marine scored five unanswered goals to capture their 17-12 win.
As of presstime, the Rams lost to Plymouth State March 16 and now hold a record of 3-4.
The Rams finished the 2021-22 season with an overall record of 11-8 and were the 2022 MASCAC Women’s Lacrosse Tournament Champions.
Fein said, “I am quite confident in our team's capacity to go all the way again this year. We have our work cut out for us for sure, but are ready to defend our title and get another championship win.”
Guerin said it will be an exciting season within the MASCAC conference. “We play our best when we focus on ourselves and we’re all super excited for what the rest of the season holds, and to hopefully win our second straight tournament championship.”
Framingham will host Montclair State for a non-conference matchup March 25.