NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Smith 6,  Worcester St. 10
Records: Pioneers 0-1, Lancers 1-0

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The Smith College lacrosse team suffered a 10-6 setback to Worcester State in the season opener for both teams Wednesday afternoon. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lancers got out to a rampant start, scoring the game's first six goals in just under 18 minutes to sprint out to the early advantage. Junior Kylie Hill scored Worcester State's first goal of the season just under six minutes in, and tallied two assists during the run that put the Lancers firmly in control. Sophomore Maddy Brennan and senior Rachel Hopkins each scored twice during the streak, while freshman Sarah DesVergnes tallied her first collegiate goal.

Smith started climbing back into the contest in the latter stages of the first half, outscoring Worcester State 4-1 in the final 11:06 of the period to trail by just a three goal margin of 7-4 at the break. Bryn Murray (Glastonbury, Conn./Glastonbury) scored a pair of goals for the Pioneers in the stretch, while Worcester State's lone tally came from rookie Lily Gendron.

Brennan completed her hat trick just over a minute into the second half, and moments later DesVergnes netted her second of the afternoon to extend Worcester State's lead to five. Murray and Kaitlin Chiu (Palo Alto, Calif./Palo Alto) added second half tallies for Smith, but Lancer junior Coley Hayes cemented the win with a goal of her own with 4:05 to play. 

Worcester State netminder Chloe O'Brien was stellar to get the opening day win. The junior recorded 16 stops, her most since her rookie year, to start the season in the win column. For Smith, the loss was credited to Alyssa Schams (South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon) despite eight saves.

UP NEXT
Smith returns to action Saturday at home against Curry College at 12:00 p.m.

(Recap courtesy to Worcester State Athletics)

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.