Couillard's Game-Winner In OT Lifts Salem State Over Westfield State

SALEM, Mass. - Allison Couillard's (Tewksbury, Mass.) goal just four minutes into overtime lifted the Salem State Vikings to a 3-2 Little East win over Westfield State on Wednesday afternoon at Alumni Field. The Vikings improve to 5-3 on the season and 1-2 in conference while the Owls slide to 3-6 and remain winless at 0-3 in the Little East.

Couillard knocked in the game-winning goal after dribbling through the defense, and unleashing a quick turnaround shot that beat goalie Riley Goulet (Marion, Mass.).

Westfield State had tied the game midway through the fourth when Rachel Anzivino (Rockport, Mass.) found the back of the net, tying the game at 2-2.

In the sixth minute of the first quarter, Jillian Danton (Arlington, Mass.) fired off a shot but, was stopped by Goulet. Casie Curtin (Wrentham, Mass.) grabbed the rebound and her put back gave the Vikings a 1-0 lead.

Just over four minutes later, the Owls tied it up at 1-1 as Liv Mikkila (Auburn, Mass.) found Shannon Roycroft (Centerville, Mass.) open and she scored with a low tracing shot past Kelli McCarthy (Foxborough, Mass.).

The teams entered halftime even. Salem State took two shots while Westfield State attempted four shots on goal.

In the third quarter, Salem State broke the tie as Melanie Mason (Beverly, Mass.) delivered a nice pass to Couillard who rifled the ball into the left corner, putting the Vikings ahead 2-1.

McCarthy earned the win in net after saving three shots. Goulet took the loss finishing with one save and conceding three goals. The Owls and the Vikings each attempted five shots for the game. Westfield State had a slight 4-2 advantage in corners.