Box Score DARTMOUTH, Mass. – Junior Julie O'Rourke (Worcester, Mass.) scored the game-winning goal with no time left on the clock, converting a penalty corner to lift Worcester State University to a dramatic 2-1 victory over the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth this evening in a Little East Conference field hockey game at Cressy Field.
The Lancers (7-3, 3-1 LEC) were awarded a penalty corner with 24 seconds remaining in regulation, but allowed time to expire before beginning the opportunity. Junior Erika Lepkowski (Baldwinville, Mass.) inserted the corner to the top of the arc, but the charging Corsair (4-7, 2-2 LEC) defensive backfield nearly thwarted the attempt. Senior Kelli McPherson (Mansfield, Mass.) was able to push the loose ball towards O'Rourke, who ripped the decisive score into the back of the net for her team-leading eighth goal of the season.
After a scoreless first half, Worcester State cracked the scoring column in the 41st minute. Senior Katelyn Abber (Dedham, Mass.) slipped a pass from the end line diagonally through the hosts' defensive backfield that Lepkowski side-swiped into the cage from laying on her side. It was Lepkowski's fourth marker of the campaign.
UMass Dartmouth was able to level the match in the 55th minute, following a great individual effort by sophomore Katelyn Morrissey (Taunton, Mass.). Morrissey charged through the heart of the Lancer defense and distributed a pass to the left edge of the cage that junior Jill Levrault (Somerset, Mass. / Somerset-Berkley) deposited into the net. Levrault earned her team-leading eighth goal of the campaign.
The Corsairs created a tremendous opportunity to take their first lead of the night in the 62nd minute. Freshman Erin Kish (Littleton, Mass.) inserted the corner to junior Emily Anderson (Medway, Mass.) at the top of the arc. Anderson ticketed the return feed to the left post, missing just wide of the net.
Both teams registered 11 shots, but UMass Dartmouth held a decisive 9-3 advantage in penalty corners.
UMass Dartmouth will return to action at 12 p.m. on Oct. 4, when the Corsairs travel to Little East Conference rival Salem State University.
