Worcester, MA -  Worcester State College erupted for three first half goals to secure a 3-1 victory over Clark University in non-conference women’s soccer action played Thursday at Granger Field.

Clark falls to 1-2.  Worcester State improves to 1-1.

The Lancers wasted no time getting on the board as Lauren Cush (Hudson, Mass.) found the back of the net just :36 seconds into the game.  Positioned at the top of the box, the senior midfielder received a pass from Katelyn Bonetti (Plymouth, Mass.) and fired a shot in the upper right corner for a 1-0 lead.

The Lancers put the game away with a pair of goals just over three minutes apart.  Junior Tiffany Rotatori (Auburn, Mass.) put home Cush’s corner kick at the 17:00 minute mark to extend the Lancer’s lead (2-0) and Cush converted for her second goal of the season at 20:14. 

Junior Kari Mruz (Hingham, Mass.) had Clark’s best opportunity to score in the half.  She collected a loose ball and placed a hard-shot on goal that Lancer goalie Erin Doherty (Uxbridge, Mass.) bobbled with seven minutes remaining.     

The Cougars prevented the shutout after sophomore Kerri Moy’s (Newton, Mass.) drive from the 18-yard box sailed over relief goalie Rachel Armanti’s (West Boylston, Mass.) reach with 6:23 left in the game.  It was her first collegiate goal. Senior Jen Dineen (Groveland, Mass.) was credited with an assist on the play.   

Clark had a strong bid to make it a one-goal game with a minute and a half left, but Amanda Ramos’ (Williston Park, N.Y.) shot was stopped by a diving Armanti.  

Cush had two goals and an assist to lead Worcester State.

Worcester State outshot Clark, 13-8.

Sophomore Joanna Clark (Windham, Me.) turned aside six shots for Clark.  Doherty made three saves, while Armanti stopped one shot for Worcester State.