Fitchburg State Shoots Past Thomas, 3-1

Taylor Van Ahnen notches four saves in Falcons victory

WATERVILLE, Maine (September 6, 2008) - The Fitchburg State field hockey team collected its first victory of the season, defeating Thomas College in non-conference action this afternoon.

The Fitchburg State offensive attack was led by the trio of senior Paula Bartalamia (Tewksbury, Mass./Tewksbury Memorial), classmate Heather Di Terlizzi (Shrewsbury, Mass./Shrewsbury) and sophomore Megan Jacobs (Stoughton, Mass./Stoughton) who each  tallied one goal in the contest. Sophomore Torey Van Ahnen (Seekonk, Mass./Seekonk) added an assist to aid the Falcons.

Fitchburg State jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first half as Di Terlizzi connected for her first goal of the season off a Torey Van Ahnen helper at the 18:00 mark.

Thomas fired back quickly in the second half as junior Brittany Moore (Vassalboro, Maine/Vassalboro) recorded the lone goal for the Terriers just 0:30 into the frame. Fitchburg State responded at the 16:32 mark on Jacobs first score of the season to give the Falcons a 2-1 advantage. The Falcons then iced the game just nine minutes later on a score by Bartalamia.

Fitchburg State outshot Thomas 14-6 and took an 11-4 advantage in corners. Sophomore net minder Taylor Van Ahnen (Seekonk, Mass./Seekonk) collected four saves in win for the Falcons, while freshman goaltender Megan Denby (Copiague, NY/Copiague) stopped five shots for the Terriers.      

Fitchburg State (1-1, 0-0 LEC) is back in action on Wednesday as it travels to Saint Joseph's of Maine at 4 p.m. Thomas College (1-1, 0-0 NAC) will host Regis College tomorrow at 12 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY

Fitchburg State 3, Thomas 1

Scoring:
First Half: FSC: Heather Di Terlizzi (Torey Van Ahnen), 18:00;
Second Half:  TMS: Brittany Moore, 0:30; FSC: Megan Jacobs, 16:32; FSC: Paula Bartalamia, 25:22
Goaltending: FSC: Taylor Van Ahnen (70:00), four saves; TMS: Megan Denby (70:00), five saves
Shots On Goal: FSC: 14;TMS: 6

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-FALCONS-