WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State's Jennifer Rennich (Bedford, Mass) scored twice and assisted another goal to lead the Owls past the Fitchburg State Falcons, 4-1 in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference soccer matchup in Westfield Mass, on Alumni Field.
Westfield State improves to 11-3-1 overall and 6-0 in the MASCAC. Fitchburg State falls to 7-6-2 and 4-1-1 in the MASCAC. With today's win, Westfield State wins the MASCAC regular season title and will secure top seed and home field advantage in the MASCAC post season tournament.
Rennich opened up scoring for the Owls four minutes into the game, off a beautifully fed pass from Delaney Parker (Orange, Mass) that split the defense and found a cutting Rennich for the bottom left finesse finish.
Rennich would later assist on the Owls' second goal of the day. The Owls attack strung together two quick passes at the top of the box, with the ball at Rennich's feet she sent a sneaky through ball that split Fitchburg's defense. Kylee Murphy (Haverhill, Mass.) received it on the right wing, took one dribble and slotted in the left side netting for the Owls' second goal of the day.
Fitchburg's only goal of the game came late in the first half. Following a Fitchburg throw-in, junior Elizabeth Read (Fitchburg, Mass.) rifled off a shot that deflected high in the air. Read took advantage of the loose ball headed her own deflection over the keeper for the goal.
The Owls' third goal came just before the end of the first half. Out of the Westfield throw in, Parker took the throw from the right wing, dribbled across the top of the box, and rifled in a low shot that found the opposite side of the net.
The Owls maintained control throughout the second half, rifling off 14 total shots on net compared to Fitchburg's one.
Rennich's second goal came seven minutes into the start of the second half, off the corner service from Parker. Parker's corner-cross found Rennich all alone in front of the net. Rennich took one touch and lobbed it over the keep into the right side netting for the Owl's fourth and final goal of the game.
Westfield outshot the Falcons 24-3 and held a seven to two corner advantage. Fitchburg State goalkeeper Allison Gough (Wolcott, Conn.) made 15 saves in 90 minutes of action.
Westfield State celebrated its senior day before the game, recognizing the seven seniors and one grad student on this year's roster.
Westfield State University women's soccer will compete again next on October 26 with a non-conference game at the Plymouth State Panthers.
Written by Sports Information Intern Dave Cataloni