FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - The Worcester State University women's lacrosse team held off a vicious late rally to defeat Framingham State University 10-9 Thursday evening in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference action at Maple Street Field.

With the win, Worcester State earns a share of the MASCAC Regular Season Championship, which the team will split with Framingham State and Westfield State, which both end with conference records of 3-1. Worcester State improves to 5-2 overall on the season, while Framingham State sees its perfect season come to a close, dropping to 7-1.

Worcester State came flying out of the gate, jumping out to an 8-3 lead by halftime. The Lancers scored seven of the game's first eight goals to take a commanding 7-1 lead. Sophomore Lily Gendron (Lakeville, Mass.) netted a first half hat trick, with senior Kylie Hill (Lunenburg, Mass.) finding the back of the net twice. 

Sophomores Sarah DesVergnes (Limerick, Maine), Emily Pavoni (Granby, Mass.), and Shea Jarvis (Auburn, Mass.) also scored before the break for Worcester State.

Goals from Jarvis and Pavoni pushed Worcester State's lead to 10-4 with under 10 minutes to play, but the hosts turned it on late and nearly pulled off an improbable comeback. Framingham State scored five goals in under six minutes to cut their deficit to 10-9 with 1:25 to play, but a Framingham State turnover and clutch Hill ground ball with 34 seconds remaining sealed the win for Worcester State.

Lancer senior goaltender Chloe O'Brien (Sturbridge, Mass.) was vital to Worcester State's victory, picking up season-high 14 saves to earn her fifth win of the season.

The two teams will meet again to close out their regular seasons at Worcester State on Saturday with an early 11 a.m. start time. The game can be streamed live at wsulancers.com/broadcast.

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