Women's Soccer Captures MASCAC Tournament Title, Advances to NCAAs

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The third-seeded Bridgewater State University women's soccer team captured the programs third Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Tournament title and first since 2003 as the Bears defeated fourth-seeded Worcester State University, 3-1, in the MASCAC Championship Game on Sunday afternoon at Swenson Field.

Sophomore forward Mackenzie Hatfield (Whitman, Mass.) earned tournament MVP honors for the Bears (9-8-2) who will advance to to NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time since 2003 and third time overall (2002, 2003, 2013).

Hatfield set up the game's first goal with just 22 seconds remaining in the first half as she sent a cross in front of the net that was deflected inside the right post by senior forward Caley McClendon (Keene, N.H.). The assist marked Hatfield's tenth of the season which is tied for the third highest single-season total in BSU women's soccer history.

Senior forward Erica Jonasson (Wrentham, Mass.) staked the Bears to a 2-0 lead early in the second half as she headed in a cross from sophomore forward Olivia Planty (Litchfield, N.H.). The goal marked Jonasson's team-leading 16th of the season.

Hatfield put the game out of reach with her ninth goal of the season in the 67th minute off an assist from senior midfielder Katie Nasuti (Millbury, Mass.).  Nasuti slid a pass over from the right side and Hatfield buried a shot into the center of the net.

Senior midfielder Gaby Gonet (Agawam, Mass.) got the Lancers on the board in the 84th minute with her seventh goal on the season as she scored on a direct kick from just outside the 18.  Gonet's shot deflected in off the bottom of the crossbar.

Worcester (11-7-2) held a 12-7 shot advantage for the game but put just three shots on frame, while Bridgewater had the 6-2 edge in corner kicks.

BSU senior netminder Kerry Condon (Whitman, Mass.) made two saves to record her fourth win of the season between the pipes for the Bears.  Sophomore Jillian Witkowski (Leicester, Mass.) stopped two shots in goal for the Lancers.

Hatfield finished with two goals and two assist for six points in the Bears' three tournament games on her way to MVP honors.  Hatfield now has 51 points (17 goals, 17 assists) in two seasons at Bridgewater as she moved into eighth place on the Bears' all-time scoring. 

NCAA Division III Tournament pairings will be announced on Monday with the selection show getting underway at 1:30 PM on NCAA.com.  First round games are scheduled to be played on November 15th and 16th.