By Izabela Gage Asst. Sports Editor By Kyra Tolley Staff Writer Women’s soccer shut out the MCLA Trailblazers 3-0 on their home turf for the team’s first conference game Sept. 21. Their overall record is now 1-6, and their conference record is 1-0. The Rams started strong with three shots on goal in the first two minutes. Junior Madison Magone saved the first shot MCLA had on goal four minutes into the game. Sophomore Melissa Romeiro took advantage of a loose ball, scoring the game's first goal unassisted with seven minutes left in the first half. The first half ended with the Rams in the lead 1-0, while the Trailblazers struggled on offense, totaling only four shots on goal in the entire game. Senior Alicia Tocman opened the second half with two shots on goal. Junior Grayson Tellier and first-year Abigail Pratt both contributed one shot each, bringing the Rams to 21 shots on goal. The Rams pushed up the field, not letting MCLA have any opportunity for shots on goal in the second half. First-year Hailey Ring tallied her first collegiate goal, assisted by Tocman, bringing the score to 2-0. First-year Bella Grimaldi kept up the momentum and attempted to net another goal, which was saved by the Trailblazers. FSU totaled 23 shots on goal by the end of the game, while Magone easily stopped all four goal-scoring attempts from MCLA in the first half. In the last two minutes of play, Ring netted her second collegiate goal bringing the final score to 3-0. Ring capitalized on attacking, totaling six shots on goal throughout the game. Tellier, Tocman, and senior Cathryn Cooney each finished the game with three shots on goal. Pratt, Romeiro, and senior captain Megan McAullife contributed to the team’s efforts with two shots on goal each. With her successful performance against MCLA, Ring earned MASCAC Rookie of the Week Sept. 23. “I definitely feel like I have a title to uphold. There are some expectations there from not only myself, but I'm sure my coaches have [them] as well for me,” Ring said. Senior Captain Victoria Potter said, “The intensity that we came out with for MCLA and the bond that we have as a team is what helped us secure that win.” When asked about the team’s motivation going forward for the rest of the season, Ring said, “Just because we won that game doesn’t mean our work is finished.” Head Coach Michael La Francesca earned his first win with the Rams in their dominant 3-0 win against the Trailblazers. La Francesca credited the players, saying, “They continue to believe in their ability to take it to the next level. “As coaches, it's our job to keep them in that specific mindset and push them a little bit harder because they have what it takes to be very competitive in this conference.” Ring said, “I feel like [his] support is what a lot of us need right now to keep going. … I just feel like it pushes us to where we need to be.” As of press time, Framingham State lost to UMass Dartmouth 2-0 in an away game Sept 25. The Rams totaled five shots on goal, all of which did not find the net. Magone racked up 13 saves out of 15 shots, with a save percentage of .867. The Rams are seeking redemption when they travel to Salem State University to play the Vikings Sept. 28. Romeiro said, “The way we’re practicing is the way we’re going to play. The team is definitely motivated to get onto their field and beat them.” [Editor’s note: Bella Grimaldi is a staff writer for The Gatepost.]
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