WPI 2, Fitchburg State 1

Box Score                

Worcester, MA--- On a day that WPI junior Kristen Garza (Kingston, MA) established a new school career goal-scoring record, it was classmate Katie Partridge's (Worcester, MA) marker in the 73rd minute that was the difference in the Engineers' 2-1 non-conference win against visiting Fitchburg State.  With the victory Saturday afternoon, WPI (2-3) snaps a two-game losing skid while the Falcons level their mark at 2-2. 

Partridge notched the game-winner on a direct kick from about 25 yards out.  Her shot from the near wing found a home in the far upper corner of the back of the net for her third career tally. 

Midway through the first half, Partridge set up Garza on the historic goal.  She fed the junior forward at the top of the box and Garza turned and buried a shot from 15 yards out for her fourth goal of the season and 29th of her career.  With the tally, she surpassed Beth Gilbert '01 atop the all-time WPI career goal list.

Fitchburg State evened the contest in the 29th minute when Ali Landry (Bellingham, MA) was on the receiving end of a nifty feed from Lauren Wundt (Southwick, MA).  Landry calmly tucked the ball past the WPI keeper for the equalizer. 

The game was tightly contested throughout with shots at a premium.  WPI took six of the game's nine shots while the Falcons held a decisive 9-2 advantage in corner kicks attempted.

Rebecca Newman (Howell, NJ) earned the win in net for the Engineers.  The freshman backstop was credited with two stops on the day.  Melanie Berent (West Hartford, CT) made three saves while playing the first 77 minutes in between the pipes for FSC.  Senior Kyla Batchelder (Stoughton, MA) was not called upon to make a save in 13 minutes of work.

WPI now embarks on a six-game road trip, starting Tuesday evening with a 7pm affair at city rival Worcester State.  Fitchburg State is back in action on Wednesday at 7pm when they travel to Eastern Connecticut State.