Bison Top Vikings In Overtime

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass. --  Nichols defeated Salem State 3-2 in overtime in the Vikings' home opener on Friday night at Rockett Arena. The Bison open the season 1-0 while Salem State dropped to 0-1.    

Salem State was eager to take control of the game early in the first period. Téa Miles (Northfield, VT.) took a shot from about 15 feet away from the net, but unfortunately, the puck did not find it's way into the goal. A few seconds later, Celeste Scoppettuolo (Revere, Mass.) got close to the zone, hoping to score a goal, but was denied by goalkeeper, McKenzie Muir (Bedford, N.H.).   

As the first period progressed, both teams had power play opportunities but were unable to capitalize on them. Later in the period, Nichols began to attack the Vikings' zone, with Kaia Hollingsworth (Methuen, Mass.)  making some tough saves to minimize the scoring. However, Nichols was able to strike first, with Ema Jaskova (Opatovca nad Nitrou, Slovakia) scoring a goal, assisted by Grace Melanson (Simsbury, Conn.) and Morgan Rochefort (Bangor, Maine).  

Olivia Tednes (Elk Grove Village, III.) scored her first goal as a Viking at 12:04 of the second. Salem State kept putting pressure on the Bison, with Makayla McGrath (Revere, Mass.) shooting one that went just wide of the net. With less than four minutes left in the second period, Catarius attempted to score her second goal of the game on a wrap-around, but it was blocked by Grace Wiggett (Essex Junction, V.T.).   

After two periods of regulation, Salem State and Nichols were tied at one. Hollingsworth saved 16 of 17 shots, while Muir saved 13 of 14 shots. The Vikings were 0 for 6 in power play opportunities, while Nichols went 0 for 1. 

Nichols was on a five-on-three power play when they scored their second goal of the game, as Jaskova gave Nichols the lead, assisted by Melanson and Rochefort. 

Late in the last period, Salem State was able to tie the game when Brenna Greene (Haverhill, Mass.) put one home, tying the score at 2-2.  

In overtime, with both teams three-on-three, Hollingsworth made some brilliant, tough saves, but Rochefort, assisted by Anneliese Klein (Royal Oak, Mich.), scored the game-winning goal on a power play 2:39 into overtime.  

Hollingsworth saved 37 shots out of 40 attempts, while Muir saved 20 shots out of 22 attempts. Salem State, on the other hand, had a tough time throughout the game, failing to score on all seven of their power play attempts, while Nichols scored twice on six opportunities. 

Salem State prepares to face Nichols again tomorrow afternoon. Game time is at 4:30 p.m.