Women's Soccer conducts Flag raising ceremony, Fight Back to Earn Tie against Worcester
The MCLA Women's Soccer team paid tribute to veterans by conducting a flag raising ceremony prior to the game, as MCLA alumna, Staff Seargent Sarah Lapine dedicated a flag from Afghanistan. The Trailblazers fought back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a hard fought tie against visiting Worcester State.
North Adams, MA- MCLA and Worcester State engaged in quite a battle as both teams emerged from their MASCAC openers with a 2-2 draw. MCLA had to rally from a 2-0 halftime deficit to earn the tie. MCLA's late game inspiration may have come from former Trailblazer Staff Sergeant Sarah Lapine (01'). The Trailblazers honored Lapine before the game by hoisting an American flag that Lapine gave to the team to be hung at all MCLA home games this season. The flag is same flag that formerly flew over Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan. Sergeant Lapine is currently still serving in Afghanistan.
The Lancers scored two first half goals off corner kicks and could have been up 3-0 if not for a fortuitous bounce off the far post on a shot by Brianne Beckman (Lakeville, MA). The Lancers had 6 shots on goal compared to just one by MCLA.
Sarah Connors got the scoring off when she scored directly off a corner kick that MCLA goalie Jen Wehner had trouble handling; Wehner appeared to have the save, but lost her balance and came down behind the goal line with the ball. The goal was the first of two in a five minute span for the Lancers off of corner kicks. With ten minutes to go in the half Nikki Scott (Berlin, MA) cleanly headed in a Connors corner to make it 2-0.
MCLA came out in the second half a different team. MCLA was now carrying the play and matching the physicality Worcester showed in half number one. MCLA's Danielle Parenteau was leading the renewed energy all over the field. Parenteau's effort was instrumental as she assisted on Jess Tietgens third goal of the season to make it 2-1. The Trailblazers continued to attack and in the 72nd minute Lauren Ford knocked home a loose ball in front of a Samantha Miller corner for the Trailblazers.
The Lancers and Trailblazers played an exciting match into overtime, but with both teams exhausted played to a 2-2 tie. MCLA thought they had it won in the first ot, but this time it was Worcester who had luck on their side when Tietgens put one off the crossbar.
Worcester State ended with ten shots on goal and MCLA finished with six.
Worcester State will host Plymouth St. at 7:00PM on Tuesday. The Trailblazers will be back in action Wednesday at 4:00PM at Green Mountain College.