By Jen Tolland, Telegram & Gazette

Losing streak sparked Falcons

Fitchburg State, which is making its third NCAA appearance, was one of only two teams to beat Nichols this season.

That 3-2 victory on Oct. 1 isn't what got the Falcons season going, however. Their four-game losing streak that immediately followed did.

"We made some changes, corrected some small mistakes, and put an emphasis on our MASCAC games," Fitchburg State coach Werner Thissen said.

Heading into the NCAAs, the Falcons, and senior goalkeeper Aidan Hanratty, shut out their last six conference opponents.

Hanratty turned away 29 shots in three MASCAC Tournament games.

Senior midfielder Brett Smith scored in Fitchburg State's 1-0 win over Mass. Maritime in the semifinals and in the 1-0 championship game triumph against Bridgewater State.

"I'm not really known for my scoring," said Smith, who netted his first career goal Oct. 18 against Framingham State. "I'm a pass first guy; I don't usually look to shoot. It felt good to lead the team."

Fitchburg State (11-10) was picked to finish last in the preseason MASCAC poll. History was not on the Falcons' side. They have not had a winning season since 2002-03.

Thissen, who took over the program five years ago, and four-year players like Hanratty and Smith, have led the rebuilding effort.

"It's been four long years," Hanratty said, "but we stuck with it and obviously we've come a long way. It's been a work in progress. Since we were freshmen we've gotten better and better. We're in a good position now and I'm really happy and proud of what we've accomplished."

The Falcons are in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1988.

Former rivals boost Lancers

Kiley Hardy and Justine Butler had a little rivalry of the Midland League B variety going back to when Hardy was playing offense for Groton-Dunstable and Butler was playing defense for Marlboro.

"I remember Justine was difficult," Hardy said. "I definitely would rather have her on my team than against me."

Hardy, a junior, and Butler, a freshman, joined forces as Worcester State center backs this season and their efforts helped the Lancers to their sixth NCAA Tournament appearance.

"It's pretty awesome," Hardy said.

Hardy and Butler lead a Worcester State defense that allowed the fewest goals (16) in the conference. Butler was named the MASCAC Rookie of the Year.

The pair plays in front of junior netminder Jillian Witkowski of Leicester, who takes a 0.94 goals-against average and .837 save percentage into the NCAAs.

"A few times this season we've both turned around and thought, 'Uh-oh, that's going in,' and she's just there," Butler said. "It's awesome being in front of her."

The Lancers (14-3-1) are unbeaten in their last seven games. Witkowski has three shutouts in that span.

Junior forward Alicia Macomber scored all three Worcester State goals in the Lancers' two MASCAC tourney wins. She set program records this season with 18 goals and 42 points.