Falcons Open 2022 Season With 3-0 Shutout Victory Over Bulldogs

R. Pallotta and Westcott notch first collegiate tallies

Franklin, Mass. – The Fitchburg State women's soccer team opened its 2023 season this afternoon, defeating the Bulldogs of Dean College, 3-0 in non-conference action from Longley Athletic Complex.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 3, Dean 0

Records: Fitchburg State (1-0-0, 0-0-0 MASCAC) | Dean 0-1-0, 0-0-0 GNAC)

How It Happened

Fitchburg State opened the scoring just 3:49 into the first half when junior Maddie Hippert (Worcester, Mass.) settled a loose ball in front of the net and deposited a shot inside the near post for her first tally on the season for the 1-0 lead.

The Falcons doubled their lead in the 11th minute of action as freshman Adrianna Westcott (Sayreville, N.J.) received a feed from classmate Alisha Praileau (Ashby, Mass.) and proceeded to notch her first collegiate tally for the 2-0 edge.

The Green and Gold would take a 3-0 advantage into the break when newcomer Regina Pallotta (Sterling, Mass.) buried a shot into the right side of the net off an assist from senior Taylor Rodriguez (Lunenburg, Mass.) at the 41:51 mark.

Following the intermission, neither team found the back of the net as the Falcons held on for the 3-0 final.

Inside the Numbers

This afternoon's contest marked the third meeting between the two schools on the pitch with the Falcons 3-0-0 all-time when taking on the Bulldogs

Fitchburg State had won the first two contests with Dean, including a 2-0 decision in the last matchup on August 30, 2019 at Grant Field.

Fitchburg State held a 34-3 margin in shots, while also finishing with a 5-1 edge in corner kicks

Senior Allison Gough (Wolcott, Conn.) and junior Skyla Vaudo (Burlington, Mass.) combined for a clean sheet, while not facing a shot for the Falcons

Sophomore Haley Gaunt (Johnston, R.I.) stopped 15 shots for the Bulldogs in the setback

Up Next

Falcons will travel to St. Joseph (CT) on Saturday for a non-conference tilt with the Bluejays, starting at 4:00 PM. Bulldogs return to action on the same date when they host the Buccaneers of Mass. Maritime Academy in non-conference action at 2:00 PM.