Fitchburg State Cruises Past Eastern Connecticut, 6-1

Falcons earn fifth conference victory led by Jacobs' two markers

MANSFIELD, Conn. (October 6, 2009) - Junior Megan Jacobs (Stoughton, Mass./Stoughton) registered two goals to lead Fitchburg State to a Little East Conference victory as the Falcons posted a 6-1 win over Eastern Connecticut State this afternoon. 

Fitchburg State used a six goal attack, including three goals in the first eight minutes of the match to clinch its conference leading, fifth victory of the season. With the victory, the Falcons match its total conference victories from a year ago.

Jacobs got the Falcons rolling early in the offensive heavy first half as the junior forward collected two scores in the first 5:44 of action. Fitchburg State grabbed a 1-0 lead just three minutes into the contest and later took a 2-0 advantage as freshman Jamie Kelley (Pepperell, Mass./North Middlesex) set up Jacobs for her second score of the game.

Senior Eleni Aidonidis (Winchendon, Mass./Saint Bernards) quickly padded the Falcons lead, registering the third goal of the game as Fitchburg State converted a penalty corner with assists from junior Mari Roma (Foxborough, Mass./Foxborough) and senior Paula Bartalamia (Tewksbury, Mass./Tewksbury).

After an Eastern Connecticut goalkeeper change, Fitchburg State continued its offensive pressure, rifling off three more scores in the half. Kelley ignited the Falcons second scoring surge of the half with her second goal of the season, while sophomore Heather Jerome (New Bedford, Mass./New Bedford) and freshman Hillary O'Kelly (E. Bridgewater, Mass./E. Bridgewater) added one score apiece in the final six minutes of the frame.

Fitchburg State controlled the offensive tempo, holding possession for a majority of the contest. The Falcons held a commanding 19-6 advantage in shots, while edging the Warriors 8-7 in penalty corners. Junior Taylor Van Ahnen (Seekonk, Mass./Seekonk) and freshman Abbie Brown (Westwood, Mass./Westwood) combined for two save victory for the Falcons, while sophomore Danielle Reichardt (Ocean Township, N.J./Ocean Township) notched seven stops for the Warriors.

Fitchburg State (7-3, 5-1 LEC) will be in action again on Saturday as it hosts Bridgewater State at 3 p.m. Eastern Connecticut State (1-9, 0-6 LEC) will travel to Wesleyan University on Thursday at 7 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY

Fitchburg State 6, Eastern Connecticut 1

Scoring:
First Half: FIT: Megan Jacobs, 2:44; FIT: Jacobs (Jamie Kelley), 5:44; FIT: Eleni Aidonidis (Mari Roma, Paula Bartalamia), 8:26; FIT: Kelley (Bartalamia), 10:37; FIT: Heather Jerome, 29:57; FIT: Hillary O'Kelly, 34:05; 
Second Half: ECS: Ashley Del Vecchio (Melissa Goffe), 67:31;
Goaltending: FIT: Taylor Van Ahnen (70:00),  zero saves; Abbie Brown (35:00), two saves; ECS: Tia Mucciarone (8:27), four saves; Danielle Reichardt (61:33), seven saves.
Shots: FIT: 19; ECS: 6