WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State rallied from an early 1-0 deficit to post a 3-1 win over Elms College in a non-conference field hockey game at Alumni Field on Thursday evening.
Elms got on the board first as Madison Messier (Quabog/Warren, Mass.) punched home the rebound of a shot just 7:15 into the game.
The Blazers had the better of play for the first half, outshooting the Owls 11-4, but Westfield made the most of their opportunities, getting one penalty corner as time expired, then earning another penalty corner with the clock off. On the second corner, Carly Zona (Auburn, Mass.) ripped a shot from the top of the circle that Cheryl Latona (Granby, Conn.) tipped past Elms goalkeeper Jillian Lapponese (Woburn, Mass.) to tie the game at 1-1 at the intermission.
Westfield took over in the second half, scoring just over four minutes in as Rachel Anzivino (Rockport, Mass.) slid a pass in the circle to Allie Giguere (Bishop Fenwick/Lynn, Mass.) , who shot from near the penalty spot for a 2-1 lead.
While Gigeure's goal would prove the game-winner, the Owls tacked on an insurance goal, earning a penalty shot with 10:05 left in the game, which Zona would lift into the netting for the 3-1 final.
Westfield improves to 5-7 with the win, while Elms drops to 3-8 on the year.
Elms finished with a 17-14 advantage in total shots and a 12-4 margin in penalty corners.
Westfield State freshman goalkeeper Riley Goulet (Old Rochester/Marion, Mass.) stopped 10 shots for the Owls, with Lapponese making six saves for the Blazers.
Westfield will return to Little East Conference play on Saturday, traveling to Bridgewater State for a 4:00 p.m. start.
Elms will next host UMaine-Farmington on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.