Box Score MANSFIELD, Conn. -- Sophmore forward Alex Kallgren (Dudley, MA) and senior forward Brianna Passero (Trumbull) scored five minutes apart in the second half as the Eastern Connecticut State University field hockey team erased a a one-goal deficit in a 2-1 Little East Conference victory over Fitchburg State University Wednesday afternoon at the Mansfield Outdoor Complex.
Fitchburg (4-7, 0-6 LEC) scoring leader Molly Richard, a freshman, gave the Falcons a 1-0 lead three minutes into the second half by scoring her sixth goal of the year on Fitchburg's second shot of the game. That lead stood up until Kallgren converted her team-leading seventh goal of the year to tie the match eight minutes later, and Passero recorded what proved to be the game-winner with 19 minutes left with an unassisted goal following a cross from left of the cage by Kallgren.
Eastern (6-4, 4-2 LEC) outshot Fitchburg 10-1 and had a 5-1 advantage in the first half but could not break through.
Eastern's defense was able to protect the one-goal lead in the final minutes, with defenders
Jessica Oliveira (Danbury),
Katy Jankura (Guilford) and
Mackenzie Brower (Granby) making solid defensive plays near the Eastern cage to keep Fitchburg off the board. Fitchburg's best chance to tie came with 7:15 left when Richard took a crossing pass from freshman Maggie Gallagher and had a clear look from inside the circle, but the shot was blocked before it reached net.
Maddie LaRusso made three saves for her second win in four decisions in net for Eastern. Judith Valentine stopped six shots for Fitchburg.
Eastern, 5-1 at home, hosts Salem State University Saturday at noon
