Worcester, MA --- Six different players registered points as WPI erupted for three second half goals to help the host Engineers upend Lasell 3-0 in a non-conference field hockey game on Saturday afternoon. With the win, WPI moves to 2-0 for the second consecutive season, while the Lasers open their 2011 campaign with a 0-1 mark.
WPI came out firing in the first half, taking 18 of the stanza's 20 shots but Lasell goalkeeper Christine Thornton (Canton, MA) was up to the task. The senior netminder recorded nine first half saves.
The Crimson and Gray finally broke through early in the second half when Celena Dopart (Washington, DC) deposited a quick pass from Sasha Marokhovsky (Upton, MA) into the lower right side at 37:25. Just over six minutes later, Maggie Wigley (Bridgewater, MA) was on the receiving end of nifty pass by Emily Pearce (Avon, CT) and connected to extend the lead to 2-0.
WPI closed out the scoring at 57:42 when senior Paige Hanson (East Hartford, CT) knocked home a pass by classmate Danielle Antonellis (Duxbury, MA) to provide an insurance marker.
Liz Dufresne (Worcester, MA) turned away all four shots she faced to record her second win of the young season and her second career shutout. Thornton ended her outstanding day with 16 saves. The Lasers were aided by a defensive save by Emily Cooper (Riverhead, NY) midway through the second half.
WPI enjoyed a 30-4 bulge in shots while holding a 15-5 edge in penalty corners. Katelyn Fabri (Fairfield, CT) provided a spark offensive for the Lasers, collecting a pair of shots.
Both teams are back in action on Tuesday evening with road contests. WPI heads to Bridgewater State for a 7pm matchup while Lasell ventures to Cambridge to take on MIT at 6pm.