WORCESTER, MASS. (Jan. 30, 2003) - The Franklin Pierce men's ice hockey team suffered a 5-2 setback to Worcester State this evening in ECAC Northeast Conference action this evening.

The Lancers were led by junior Bob Grenier who recorded three assists and sophomore Jared Grenkis who totaled two helpers.

Leading scorer, Derek Mandatori (Newton, Mass./Newton North) netted his fourth of the season, while freshman Robert Pendola (Everett, Mass./Mass. Mariners) posted his fifth goal in six games and dished one assist. Freshman Matt Clemente (Middletown, N.J./Laconia Leafs) chipped in two assists for the Ravens.

The Ravens opened up the scoring at the 13:13 mark of the opening period as Mandatori converted passes from Pendola and Clemente to go up by one.

The Lancers evened the score 1-1 after freshman Dan Grout recorded the first goal of his collegiate career with 3:47 left to go in the first. Classmate Dan Liberty went on to score the game winner on the power play three minutes later to close out the first.

The teams were scoreless throughout the second period, but the Lancers opened up the third with back-to-back power play tallies just 30 seconds apart to take a commanding three goal lead.

Worcester State freshman Andrew Church added another goal midway through the third before Pendola netted a marker from Clemente at the 3:13 mark of the third.

Franklin Pierce (0-16-1, 0-11-1 ECAC NE) next hosts Assumption College in an ECAC Northeast Conference game on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Robinson Broadhurst Community Rink in Winchendon Mass. Worcester State (7-8-0, 6-2-0 ECAC NE) travels to Framingham State College on Saturday for a League matchup at 6 p.m.

Worcester State 5, Franklin Pierce 2