FRAMINGHAM, MA – Babson College senior Lauren Clement (Pittsfield, Mass.) scored the game winning goal with 3:34 remaining in the second overtime as the Beavers defeated the Framingham State University women’s soccer team 2-1 in heartbreaking fashion in non-conference action this afternoon at Maple Street Field. With the win Babson improves to 4-1-1 on the year, while the Rams are now 1-3.
The Rams struck first in the 28th minute as they sent a long shot into the box that deflected off the Beaver netminder. Sophomore forward Marissa D’Angelo (Whitman, Mass.) was right there to control the loose ball and tap it into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
The Beavers had several chances to tie the score late in the first half, but Framingham State freshman goalkeeper McKenzie Vershon (Chicopee, Mass.) had an outstanding half turning away all six shots Babson sent on the net. The Beavers best chance to score came with fifteen minutes remaining as Clement took a through ball behind the Rams defense and sent a shot to the far post, but Vershon made a diving stop just in front of the goal line to preserve the one goal lead.
The Beavers continued to challenge Vershon and were finally able to break into the scoring column in the 60th minute. Junior Kelly Hanly (Cortlandt Manor, NY) sent a long cross ahead to sophomore Stefani Paulinelli (Weston, Fla.) who connected for the game tying goal and her first marker of the season.
The Rams had an opportunity to take the lead back eight minutes later as sophomore Kayla Austin (Winchester, Mass.) fired a shot on net from inside the box that Babson goalie Lisa Wojnar (Bellaire, TX) was able to punch over the crossbar.
Both teams had their chances to score in the first overtime, but it was not until late in the second extra frame that the Beavers were able to score the game winner. Freshman Avika Shah (Scotch Plains, NJ) took possession at midfield and sent the ball ahead to junior Amy Festa (Medfield, Mass.) who dribbled down the left side. Festa placed a perfect cross to Clement in front of the net for the deciding tally.
Vershon finished the game with a career-high ten saves for the Rams, while Wojnar made nine stops for the Beavers and picked up her fourth victory of the season.
The Beavers outshot the Rams 24-20 in the game, but the Rams held a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.
The Rams return to action on Saturday as they begin MASCAC action at Massachusetts Maritime at 4 p.m., while the Beavers also return to action on Saturday as they host NEWMAC rival Wellesley College at 1 p.m.
Thanks to Kathy Lynch, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information at Framingham State University for contributing this story. For more FSU RAMS sports info, box scores, calendar of upcoming games and sporting events, visit their website at: www.fsurams.com
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