FRANKLIN, Mass. – September 1, 2022 – The Dean College women's soccer team fell to Fitchburg State, 3-0, in a season opener for both teams at Lippert Field Thursday afternoon.  

Fitchburg State (1-0) travels to the University of Saint Joseph (CT) for a 4 p.m. contest on Saturday. Dean (0-1) also has a quick turnaround and will host Mass. Maritime on Saturday at 2 p.m. on Grant Field.

The Falcons got on the board in fourth minute when junior Maddie Hippert (Leicester, Mass.) slide-kicked the ball by the Dean goalie as she came out to challenge.

After a Falcons corner kick sent the ball into the scoring area, first-year Alisha Praileau (Ashby, Mass.) got control and volleyed a pass to Adrianna Westcott (Sayreville, N.J.) who finished for the 2-0 lead, 10:24 into the contest.

The visitors went on top by three in the 42nd minute. Senior Taylor Rodriguez (Lunenburg, Mass.) sent a cross from right flank towards the left side of the goal where it was headed home by first-year Regina Pallotta (Sterling, Mass.).

Sophomore Haley Gaunt (Johnston, R.I.) had 15 saves for the Bulldogs. Fitchburg State senior goalie Allison Gough (Wolcott, Conn.) and junior Skyla Vaudo (Burlington, Mass.) each worked a half to combine for the clean sheet.