Worcester, MA- In a return to 2025 ice, the Worcester State Women's Ice Hockey team (5-5, 4-1) journey to Salem to face off with future MASCAC conference opponent Salem State. Salem is in their final year with the NEHC and will become members of the newly formed MASCAC Women's Ice Hockey conference next season. Worcester looks to get back on their winning streak after a tough loss to round out 2024 at Castleton.

Final 

Worcester State: 3

Salem State: 1

How it Happened:

The opening action of 2025 for the Lancers saw them quick on the attack, grabbing a shot attempt just under a minute into the first puck drop. An early penalty call would put them on a slight defensive turn early, but their impressive power kill skills were on display as they knocked away each of the vikings attempts. With just under two minutes of action remaining in the opening period, a power play opportunity for Worcester would see them capitalize with their first goal of the game of sophomore Fiona Hatton (Homer, AK) off a perfect pass by fellow sophomore Olivia Fehl (Sergeant Bluff, IA). 

Second period action would run a tad slower but no less active for Worcester as they would record goal number two as first year Emily Johns (Clinton, MA) would push the puck into the cage off a slip from graduate Sydney Vautour (Hamilton, MA) and junior Cailey Ryan (Acton, MA). Worcester would have a few more golden chances with an influx of penalties on the vikings, but Salem held strong and pushed the attempts away from the frame. Worcester would continue to push through the second as they looked to extend their lead and would again find success in the final two minutes as Vautour this time would secure a goal of her own, this one off the quick thinking again of Ryan.

Salem would grab a goal of their own in the third to cut the Lancer lead back down to just two goals early in the final regulation period of action. Worcester would settle into their defensive presence after the quick score, shutting down any further comeback attempts and holding on for the 3-1 New Year win. 

Junior Kelsey Czerniawski (Chicopee, MA) would come away with the 28 save victory while Vatour and Ryan would lead the Lancers with two points each in the meeting.

What's Next:

The Blue and Gold will have another week before their next matchup, which will see them heading west to meet with Amherst College on January 11th at 3pm.