Vikings Outlast Lancers for MASCAC Victory

WORCESTER, Mass. – Salem State women's basketball held on to defeat Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) rival Worcester State, 69-56. The victory pushes the Vikings' overall record to 8-9 and 2-1 in conference play.

Ernidia Goncalves (Everett, Mass.) led the charge with a double-double, posting 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Kylie Gates (Pembroke, Mass.) contributed 15 points and six rebounds. Liz Zaiter (Peabody, Mass.) and Abuk Teng (Manchester, N.H.) each added 13 points to help secure the win.

The Lancers were paced by Hannah Lomonaco who had 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while Hannah Manzaro chipped in 10 points off the bench in the effort.

How it Happened:

• The Vikings jumped out to an early 15-5 lead midway through the first half, but the Lancers stuck around and made it a six point game, 22-26, to end the first.
• A deep three from the Lancers to start the second half cut the lead to a single possession, but four unanswered points from the Vikings pushed their advantage to 26-19 with 7:14 remaining. Salem maintained control, with Gates extending the lead to double digits when her jumper made it 37-27 as the teams headed into the break.
• The Vikings started the third on an 8-0 run to go up 18 points, 45-27, before a Lancer layup at the 6:05 mark stopped the bleeding. The Lancers responded over the next six minutes, erasing the 16-point deficit and pulling within six, 50-44, as they entered the final 10 minutes of play.
• The Lancers cut the lead to a single possession to start the fourth, but Salem responded by rebuilding their cushion at the free-throw line, converting 5 of 6 attempts to take a 55-46 lead with 7:28 remaining.
• With just under seven minutes to play, Gates scored five unanswered points, reclaiming the Vikings double-digit advantage at 60-49. The Lancers made one final push, cutting the deficit to six with three minutes remaining, but that would be as close as they would get as the Vikings held on to secure the 69-56 victory over the Lancers.

Inside the Numbers:

• The Vikings dominated the paint tonight, scoring 32 of their 69 points inside.
• Jaylen Nieves (Chicopee, Mass.) contributed 10 points, marking her third double-figure performance of the season.
• With 5:53 to play in the game, Abuk Teng accounted for all nine of the Vikings' final fourth quarter points.

Up Next:
The Vikings remain on the road this Saturday, January 25 when they travel to Fitchburg State University to take on the Falcons at 2p.m.