Women’s Basketball makes late push but can’t catch Salem State
North Adams, MA- Three Salem State starters would finish in double figures as the visiting Vikings took a 60-50 conference decision over the MCLA Women's Basketball team today at the Amsler Campus Center. With the win Salem State improves to 11-13 (6-5 MASCAC) while the Trailblazers fall to 4-18 (1-9 MASCAC).
Zaylee Ramos and Kristie Zator would each score 5 points in the opening stanza for MCLA who would trail 16-12 after one.
Though Zator would add another five points in the second, the Trailblazers went just 2-14 from the field and would find themselves down 32-17 at the half.
Hailey Peabody would erupt for 10 points and MCLA would turn the Vikings over seven times in 3rd quarter, but Salem State would slightly increase their margin to 48-33 heading into the fourth.
In the final quarter the Trailblazer defense again would force seven turnovers and allow just 2-11 shooting by Salem State from the field. A Zator 3-pointer with 3:55 left to play cut the Viking lead to 55-45 but the home team couldn't close the gap and would eventually fall 60-50.
Salem State's Kylie Gates achieved a unique double-double with 13 points and ten steals. Abuk Teng would also score 13 points while Alyssa Genness chipped in 12 points.
Peabody's career and game-high 20 points would lead MCLA while Zator would finish with 16 points.
The Vikings shot 37.7% from the field while going 4-12 from three. MCLA shot 32.7% from the field while only able to connect on 4 of 20 three-point attempts.
Salem State held a significant advantage on the glass outrebounding the Trailblazers 52-32.
Salem State will end its regular season on Wednesday hosting Framingham State at 7pm. MCLA will also be in action on Wednesday when the Trailblazers travel to Worcester State for a 7:30 tip-off.