#6 Fitchburg State Falls To #3 Westfield State, 1-0

Hanratty totals a pair of saves in first collegiate playoff match

WESTFIELD, Mass. (October 31, 2012) – Third-seeded Westfield State University used a single score midway through the first period to post a 1-0 victory over sixth-seeded Fitchburg State University in quarterfinal action of the 2012 MASCAC Men's Soccer tournament this evening.

With the victory, Westfield State advances to the MASCAC semifinals with an overall record of 8-9-1 and a 5-2-0 mark in the MASCAC. Fitchburg State concludes its 2012 campaign with an overall record of 5-11-2 and a 2-5-0 mark in the league.

Senior John Principato's (Stoneham, Mass./Stoneham) goal in the 24th minute of the match proved to be the difference maker for the Owls as the veteran forward took a pass from classmate Chris Monette (Wilbraham, Mass./Minnechaug) and connected for the eventual game-winner.

Westfield State held a 17-10 advantage in targets throughout the match, but shots on net were at a minimal with Fitchburg State holding a 4-3 margin, including all four attempts in the second half.

The Owls also dominated the corner attempts in the contest with a commanding 9-3 margin, but sophomore goalkeeper Aidan Hanratty (E. Bridgewater, Mass./E. Bridgewater) and the Falcon defense withstood the Westfield State firepower, allowing just one shot on net in the first half and a pair of targets in the second frame. Hanratty finished with two saves over a 90 minute, complete game effort, while Kris Carrington (Agawam, Mass./Agawam) collected four stops for the Owls.

The 2012 MASCAC Men's Soccer tournament will continue on Friday, November 2nd as Westfield State visits second-seeded Framingham State at 2 p.m. The winner of the semifinal round will advance to the 2012 MASCAC Men's Soccer championship and will face the winner of top-seeded Salem State University and fourth-seeded Bridgewater State University.