DUDLEY, Mass.- The Worcester State women’s soccer team defeated host Nichols College on Tuesday in non-conference action. The Lancers got a goal and an assist from senior Kelsey Irish (Hudson, Mass.) while sophomore Stephanie Demake (Auburn, Mass.) scored the game-winning goal just 8:56 into the contest. Worcester State, which leads the MASCAC conference with a 3-1 record, improves to 10-5 overall while Nichols drops to 8-8.

Demake headed the ball past freshman Nicole Johnson (Westhampton, Mass.) off a cross by Irish to quickly give Worcester State a 1-0 advantage. The Lancers pummeled the Bison with 17 shots in the half but Johnson stopped all six shots she faced throughout the rest of the half to keep Nichols in the game.

The Lancers continued their strong attack in the second half, however, adding a pair of insurance goals to walk away with the win. Irish scored off a direct kick taken by senior Lauren Cush (Hudson, Mass.) at the 62:49 mark. Junior Amanda Santos (Milford, Mass.) added the other goal with 12:34 left, unassisted.

Junior Sarah Levesque (Ludlow, Mass.) posted six saves in the second half for Nichols. Freshman Erin Doherty (Uxbridge, Mass) made two for Worcester State.

Nichols will return to action this Thursday at Curry while the Lancers will host Westfield State on Friday.