Elms Holds Off Salem State in Season Opener

CHICOPEE, Mass. -- Elms held off Salem State 75-69 in the season opener for both squads at Picknelly Arena on Tuesday evening. Rahmia Johnston scored 18 points while Kayla Jackson added 16 points and a game-high 19 rebounds for the Blazers, who go to 1-0 on the year. 

Liz Zaiter - 23 points and 10 rebounds and Irianis Delgado - 13 points and 11 rebounds each posted a double-double for the Vikings (0-1) while Abuk Teng added 17 points and six boards in her first career start. Ernidia Goncalves added nine points and 12 rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench.   

Elms held a 29-24 lead at the half and bulit an 11-point lead at the the end of three before the Vikings cut into the deficit, drawing to within four points, 69-65 following a free throw by Goncalves with :58 seconds left. However, Johnston converted four free throws, the last with :25 seconds left to pust the advantage back to seven points, 74-67.

The Vikings shot 35.1% (27-77), but were just 1-10 (10.0%) from three point range. Elms forced 23 turnovers, which turned into 25 points while the Blazers' bench outscored Salem State 25-9.