Falcons drop road matchup with Framingham State

FITCHBURG, Mass. — The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team fell to Framingham State by a 15–2 final in conference action, as the Rams used a fast start to seize control early.

The Basics

Final Score: Fitchburg 2, Framingham 15

Records: Fitchburg (4-7, 0-2), Framingham (4-7, 1-1)

How It Happened

Framingham State opened the game with an overwhelming first quarter, scoring eight unanswered goals in a span of just over nine minutes. Jenna James led the charge with four goals in the period, while Kate McGovern and Alessia Lye each contributed multiple assists to fuel the early surge. After falling behind 9–0 early in the second quarter, Fitchburg State broke through at the 9:38 mark when freshman attacker Nevaeh Chiacchia (Monson, Mass.) converted off a feed from senior midfielder Jessica St. George (Dracut, Mass.) to make it 9–1 heading into halftime.

Framingham State continued to extend its lead in the third quarter, adding five more goals to push the advantage to 14–1. The Rams' balanced attack featured multiple scorers, with McGovern and Kelley DeBellis each adding to their totals during the stretch. Fitchburg State netted its second goal late in the fourth quarter when freshman midfielder Paige Marchand (Rocky Hill, Conn.) scored on a free-position opportunity, but the Rams answered earlier in the frame to cap the scoring at 15–2.

Chiacchia and Marchand accounted for the Falcons' offense, while St. George added an assist. Junior attacker Samantha Azzari (Haverhill, Mass.) led Fitchburg with five shots, including four on goal. Defensively, the Falcons were led by sophomore goalkeeper Dakin Kovatch (White River Junction, Vt.), who made six saves in relief, while junior Caitlin Persson (Worcester, Mass.) and freshman Alexis Muse (Strafford, N.H.) combined for four saves.

By the numbers

• Fitchburg State was held to just two goals on 12 total shots, putting 10 attempts on target in the loss.

• Nevaeh Chiacchia and Paige Marchand accounted for the Falcons' two goals, with Jessica St. George recording the lone assist.

• The Falcons were limited in possession, finishing with nine ground balls and converting just 6-of-12 clear attempts.

• Defensively, Fitchburg recorded 10 saves in goal but forced only 12 turnovers while committing 24 of their own.

Up Next 

The Falcons will host Simmons on Wednesday at Elliot Field at 6 PM

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