Field Hockey Shutout by Westfield State

Framingham, Mass. – The Westfield State University field hockey team used an early second half goal to defeat the Framingham State Rams 1-0 on the road this afternoon in a Little East Conference (LEC) field hockey matchup at Maple Street Field. 

With the win, the Owls improve to 9-3 on the year and 4-3 in the conference, while the Rams, losers of four in a row, fall to 3-9 overall and 1-6 in the Little East.

After a scoreless first half that saw the Rams outshoot the Owls 6-5, Westfield State's offense took just over five minutes in the second half to break the scoreless tie.  Sophomore forward Sarah Pliszka (Enfield, Conn.) had possession in the circle and drew the Rams goalie off the line.  Pliszka slipped a pass across the front of the net that senior Jessica Donovan (Methuen, Mass.) redirected into the back of the cage for the game's only goal and what proved to be the game-winner.

Framingham State junior goalkeeper Sarah Ryan (Uxbridge, Mass.) made five saves in the cage, while her Owl counterpart Amanda McCarthy (Franklin, Mass.) also made five stops as she picked her second shutout of the season.

The Owls outshot the Rams in the second half 10-5 and held a 15-11 advantage for the game, while the Rams held a slight edge in penalty corners (8-7).

The Rams return to action on Tuesday when they entertain Becker College at 3:30 p.m., while the Owls host Worcester State next Saturday at noon.