Worcester, Mass. – Worcester State University freshman Kelli McPherson (Mansfield, Mass.) scored the game-winning goal 5:03 into overtime, lifting the visiting Lancers to a thrilling 2-1 win over host Clark in non-league field hockey action on Thursday evening.

The win for the Lancers (1-0) gives first year head coach Susie Whelan her first career victory and snaps Worcester State's three-game losing streak to the Cougars dating back to the 2008 season.

After a scoreless first half, Clark (0-1) actually took a 1-0 lead at the 55:11 mark when junior Mel Melkonian (Worcester, Mass.) converted a penalty stroke.

The Lancers answered right back when Samantha Janda (Sterling, Mass.) set up Lindsey McGeary (Foxboro, Mass.) with an excellent feed that she deposited in the far right corner of the cage to even the score.

Both teams had scoring chances in the opening moments of the extra frame, but Molly Cotter (North Easton, Mass.) found McPherson for the golden goal and the Worcester State victory.

Rebecca Mullen (Peabody, Mass.) turned back 11 shots for the Lancers, while Clark netminder Kate McGrath (Wilmington, Mass.) sent five shots aside.

The Cougars will look to get in the win column this season on Saturday when they visit New England College, while Worcester State hosts Elms College.