Yebba’s goal lifts Salem State past Framingham State

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

Salem, Mass. -- In an exciting MASCAC match at Alumni Field on Saturday afternoon, the Salem State Vikings defeated the Framingham Rams by a score of 2-1. This victory improved Salem State's record to 3-4, 2-0 while the Rams slipped to 3-4, 1-1.     

Before the game, coach Atkinson elaborated on her tactics for effectively containing the highly skilled Isabella Kondi (Canaan, N.H.) of the Rams. "Inside the circle we need to make sure we are tight to her, in particular to everyone keeping their sticks down. She is aggressive going to the ball, so if we can cut her off from the goal, I think we will be fine. 

The game began with a nice save by the Vikings' Izzy Mosley (Middleborough, Mass.) to prevent the Rams from scoring. Despite several opportunities, the Vikings were unable to capitalize and score. Ashley Yebba (Everett, Mass.) set up her teammates for a pass, but Kaitlyn Tello (Nashua, N.H.) saved it preventing Salem State from striking first.  

After the first 15 minutes of play, both teams remained scoreless heading into the second period.  

Kondi took a shot looking to score, but Mosley made a nice sliding save to keep the game scoreless. Mosley made another incredible save later in the period, preventing the Rams from scoring again.  

Mikayla Mason (Beverly, Mass.) crossed over two Rams' players and scored on a backhanded left-side shot, making it 1-0 for the Vikings late in the second period.  

After the game, coach Atkinson said, "I think we came out flat at the beginning. In the second period we started doing more pass patterns, making those connections."  

At halftime, Salem State was leading, 1-0 with the Rams having seven shots on goal while the Vikings had six.  

Framingham threatened in the third period thanks to a penalty corner, but Mosley made a good save, kicking the ball with her right leg and preventing the Rams from tying the game. Later, Mikayla Mason set up Yebba with a pass, and Yebba scored her first collegiate goal at the 38:59 mark, giving the Vikings an insurance goal.  

After the game Yebba talked about scoring her first collegiate goal. "Right before I almost had one, and then a teammate of mine said 'be patient, it's coming', and then 30 seconds later, I got it and it was the best feeling I think I ever had." 

As the rain picked up heavily at Alumni Field, Salem State held a 2-0 lead entering the final period of regulation.  

Yebba talked about the conditions and what it was like playing the last 15 minutes of the game in the rain. "It was definitely a little slippery, but honestly the rain wasn't even bothering us. I was already warm and ready to go. It was perfectly fine, so it didn't affect us."  

Mosley was looking to secure her second consecutive shutout, but Kaylee Beck (Tyngsborough, Mass.) scored with 10 minutes left, cutting the Vikings' lead in half. Mason attempted to score her second goal of the game on a breakaway as she was one-on-one with the goalie, but fell short.  

Salem State now looks to carry over the momentum as they will travel on the road to take on the Westfield State Owls. The game will be Tuesday at 7:00 pm.