UMass Boston Triumphs 4-1 Over Salem State

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass. --  Melina Maggio  (Chicago, Ill.) scored twice on Saturday afternoon at Rockett Arena to give UMass-Boston  a 4-1 victory over Salem State in a New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) contest at Rockett Arena. The Beacons improve their record to 2-3-3, 2-2-2, while the Vikings dropped to 2-6, 1-3. 

UMass-Boston did not waste any time taking the lead early in the game. Maggio scored the opening goal just 4 minutes and 36 seconds into the first period, as she beat  Kaia Hollingsworth (Methuen, Mass.) from the left side of the net. Ana Gustafson (Clarkston Mich.) then set up Hannah McDougall (South Dartmouth, Mass.) to extend the lead just over a minute and twenty second later. As the game progressed, UMass-Boston dominated the Salem State zone. 

Late into the first period, Margeaux Butters (Snohomish, Wash.) extended UMass-Boston's lead with a goal from inside the blue line, which was assisted by Jenna Majewski (Peoria, Ariz.). 

Hollingsworth managed to save 11 of the 14 shots, while Leah Bosch (Minnetonka, Minn.) saved all three shots. UMass-Boston had one power play opportunity, but failed to convert, while the Vikings still had no power play chances. The Beacons won nine face offs, while the Vikings won seven. 

Salem State came out strong during the second period with Tea Miles (Northfield, Vt.) scoring a goal just a minute and 29 seconds into the period. The Vikings were down two goals against UMass-Boston. However, the Beacons were soon on the power play when Lexi Warner (Littletown, Mass.) was penalized for tripping. Hollingsworth made an incredible save during the power play, preventing UMass-Boston from scoring. 

The Beacons continued to attack the Vikings' zone, and on their third power play opportunity, Maggio scored a goal, thanks to an assist from Katie Wilbert (Pittsburg, Pa.). The puck was loose on the right side of the net, and Maggio poked in the fourth goal as UMass-Boston's extended their lead to three goals.  

The two teams continued to battle it out, with Hollingsworth making a brilliant save with less than two minutes remaining during the second period of regulation. The Vikings had a power play opportunity late during the second period, which would carry over into the final 43 seconds of regulation. 

Hollingsworth saved 21 of 25 shots, while Bosch saved seven of eight shots. The Vikings had no success on their two power play opportunities, while the Beacons converted just one of their four chances. UMass-Boston won 20 of the 15 face offs. 

With just 20 minutes left on the clock, the Vikings were down by three goals. Salem State came close to scoring to reduce the deficit, but they couldn't quite find the back of the net. With just minutes remaining on the clock, the Vikings had a five on three power play opportunity, but could not take advantage.  At the end, the Beacons held on for the win.  

Salem State will be looking to bounce back on Tuesday night, when they will conclude their three-game home stand against Salve Regina. The game is set to start at 7:00 p.m. at Rockett Arena.