WESTFIELD, Mass. – The Westfield State field hockey team netted a pair of second half goals to defeat Fitchburg State, 2-0, on Alumni Field to kick off Homecoming weekend.

The conference win pushes the Owls' record to 8-7 overall and 5-2 in the MASCAC. The Falcons fall to 3-9 and 2-5 in conference.

Emily Martin (Southwick, Mass./ Southwick) found the back of the net for the Owls' first goal, which proved to be the game winner, 10 minutes into the third quarter. The play started with a Westfield penalty corner that was fumbled outside the circle but eventually gathered by Kaleigh Murphy (Pembroke, Mass./ Pembroke) who drove the ball to the far post for the waiting Martin.

One minute later the Owls tacked on an insurance goal by way of Corryn Moroney (Granby, Mass./ South Hadley) who was assisted by Skyla Harthcock (Martha's Vineyard, Mass./ Martha's Vineyard).

The Owls' controlled play for the majority of the game outshooting Fitchburg 14-2 and holding a 4-1 edge in penalty corners. Jenna Morse (Leominster, Mass./ Lunenburg) was outstanding in goal despite the loss. Morse turned away 10 shots on the night, nine in the first half, to keep the Falcons within reach.

Both squads travel for non- conference games early next week, Westfield heads to Eastern Connecticut on Tuesday, October 17 in a 4:00 p.m. start while the Falcons go north to New England College on Monday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m.