DeSouza’s Hat Trick Lead’s Women’s Soccer to Victory in Conference Opener

Framingham, Mass. – Senior Isabela DeSouza (Framingham, MA) headed a long cross from classmate Marisa Parent (Revere, MA) in the 67^th minute to break a 2-2 tie and propel the Rams to victory over Bridgewater St. on Saturday afternoon at the Maple St. Field. The goal was one of three on the day for DeSouza.

The contest was the first conference game for both teams. With win Framingham State improve to 4-2 (1-0 MASCAC) and with the loss the Bears fall to 2-4 (0-1 MASCAC).

The Rams took the lead in the 23^rd minute when DeSouza hit a long floating shot towards the net from 35 yards out that was out of the reach of the leaping goalkeeper. The Bears answered just a few minutes later when junior Mackenzie Hatfield (Whitman, MA) scored when she was a 50/50 ball dribbled past the goalie and put the ball in the net.

The teams then traded goals before halftime with DeSouza and Hatfield scoring again for the Rams and Bears respectively. The Rams added an insurance goal in the 85^th minute when Parent scored after a long lead pass by sophomore Angela Pallotta (Sterling, MA).

The Bears' best opportunity to tie the game was with just over seven minutes remaining a Framingham foul set up a direct kick. A Bridgewater player took a shot that was blocked by a Rams defender. The block created a rebound shot for another Bear that was also blocked.

Sophmore Jess Anthony (Stoneham, MA) earned the win in goal after starter Sara Sullivan (Quincy, MA)  left with an injury. Anthony made 2 saves and didn't allow a goal in 46:45 in net. Sullivan made two saves and allowed to scores in 43:15. Freshman Courtney Banzi (Plymouth, MA) made 10 saves and allowed 4 goals for the Bears.

The Rams return to action Wednesday, September 24^th when they travel to Rhode Island College at 6:00 pm.