Second Half Rally Pushes Falcons Past Framingham State, 14-11

FITCHBURG, Mass. - Fitchburg State University (11-2, 3-1 MASAC) rallied from a first half deficit to defeat Framingham State University (7-4, 2-2 MASAC), 14-11, in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) women's lacrosse contest on Tuesday night at Elliot Field. 

Senior midfielder Zoe Reilly kicked off the games scoring with a pair of goals to give the Rams an early 2-0 lead. Reilly would go on to score five of her eight goals of the game in the opening half, in which Framingham State never trailed. Reilly's final goal of the half came with 1:57 remaining to give the Rams a three-goal cushion (7-4) going into intermission

Fitchburg State scored an uncharacteristic four goals in the first stanza, tying a season-low that was set in the Falcons 12-11 win over defending MASCAC Champion Bridgewater State on Saturday, March 28.

After going back in forth with goals in the early minutes of the second half, Fitchburg State went on a 5-0 run, including a pair of goals from Ali Laferriere and Andrea Comeau to take their first lead of the night, 10-8.

The Rams nearly tied the game at nine all on fast break attempt by Kimmy Foley, but her goal was called off on a crease violation that swung momentum back to the Green & Gold's favor.  

After a free position goal by Reilly at 12:11 to cut the deficit to one (10-9) for the Rams, Fitchburg State went on their second run of the half as the hosts put up four straight goals to jump out to a 14-9 lead with five minutes remaining.

With a heavy offensive pressure, the Falcons defensive held off a late comeback attempt by Framingham State, despite Reilly and Kristen Hoggins scoring in the final three minutes to bring the game to a three-goal difference.

Junior net minder Elizabeth Darrigo made nine saves in the winning effort, while her counterpart Alysha Cericola had eight stops in the loss for Framingham State.

Reilly led all scorers with eight points, while Laferriere finished with a team-high four goals for the Falcons, while scoring her 100th career goal in the victory. 

The Green & Gold held a 28-26 edge in shots and 15-12 advantage in draw-controls, while Framingham State held a 26-21 margin in ground balls.

Fitchburg State will be in action again on Thursday, April 16 as they travel to non-conference foe Southern Vermont at 4:00pm. Framingham State will host Nichols College tomorrow at 7:00pm. 

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