Fitchburg State Defeated by WPI, 7-1

WORCESTER, Mass. – Fitchburg State University (1-1) fell short to WPI, 7-1 in a non-conference field hockey contest on Tuesday night at Alumni Stadium. Sophomore Casey Noonan was the lone goal-scorer for the Falcons in the setback.

Noonan broke up the shutout with less than five minutes remaining in the first half with a close range shot following a pass from junior Julia Pecoraro. Sophomore Bailey Miller and freshman Molly Richard each added a pair of shots for the Falcons.

Shortly after a penalty corner early in the contest, Mazzola tipped Shevchuk's shot over the goalkeeper for the 1-0 advantage. Midway through the frame, Buckley went on a fast break only to have the ball swiped away by junior Nicole Fors. Moments later, Buckley scored her first of the night at 18:50. Six minutes later, the senior beat an outstretched netminder for the 3-0 lead. With 30:41 showing on the scoreboard, Noonan deposited the ball in the left side of the cage to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Buckley completed the hat trick 8:12 into the second half with a close range shot. Rice then made it 5-1 with 21:14 to play. The Engineers capped off the contest with a tally by Buckley at 53:13 and Misera at 54:11.

The Engineers were led by Allie Buckley with four goals in the victory, while also receiving goals from the senior trio of Caroline Mazzola, Shannon Rice and Amy Misera.

Each side used a pair of goalkeepers in the contest. WPI senior Lauren Puishys a pair of shots in the first 58:27 before handing duties over to freshman Karen Noble, who collected four saves down the stretch. Sophomore Jordyn Conway turned away one shot for the Falcons before yielding to senior Judith Valentin.

The Falcons open Little East Conference action at Plymouth State Saturday at 11:30am. WPI is idle until Wednesday, September 16 when it travels to city-rival Worcester State for a 7pm matchup.

COURTESY OF WPI SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT