DARTMOUTH, Mass. – Behind an early first half goal from senior captain
Anna Balkus, the UMass Dartmouth women's soccer team recorded a 1-0 victory over Worcester State University in non-conference action on Tuesday at Cressy Field. The Corsairs move to 3-7-6, while the Lancers are now 4-8-2.
The Corsairs got the scoring going in the opening half of action as Balkus – a defender - netted her first career goal. After a trip-up in the Lancers box, the Corsairs were awarded a penalty kick with Balkus stepping up to fire it in past Worcester State goalie Mallory Dupois for the 1-0 lead at the 11:53 mark.
Worcester State continued to press in the first, sending seven shots in on goal, but Corsairs rookie goalie
Grace Conti was up to the task, including a save off a low shot to the right by Olivia Magierowski at 29:11. Conti also staved off another low attack at 39:48 as Ava Speidel sent in a shot that the rookie scooped up.
Fresh out of the intermission, the Corsairs nearly made it a 2-0 advantage as a header shot by
Madison Depina was saved by Dupois at 45:23 to keep the home team from scoring another. The Corsairs had another solid chance as junior forward Caroline McAulliffe sent in a shot that just missed wide right at 55:07.
Worcester State nearly capitalized in the 76th minute as Hailey Santos's shot went just high of the Corsairs goal to keep it a 1-0 margin for the home team. Conti was tested once more with less than six minutes remaining, making another great stop on a hard shot by Magierowski.
The Corsairs defense held strong at the end despite several yellow cards in the waning minutes of the frame.
In addition to Balkus's goal, the Corsairs saw junior midfielder
Kaitlyn Nguyen post two shots – both on goal – as Depina also put a shot on goal. Conti earned the shutout victory, tying a season-high 10 saves against the Lancers.
Worcester State, which owned a 22-8 margin in shots – including 10-4 on goal – saw Dupois make one save over the opening half of action. Ella Gumienny came on for the second half, also recording one save.
UMass Dartmouth returns to action for the final regular season contest of 2023, traveling to Plymouth State for a 3pm LEC match-up against the Panthers.
