Plymouth State Defeats Salem State 5-2, Hollingsworth Sets All-Time Single Season Saves Record

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass.- Salem State goalie Kaia Hollingsworth (Methuen, Mass.) broke the all-time single-season saves record tonight, stopping 33 shots, but it wasn't enough as Plymouth State handed Salem State 5-2 New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) loss on Friday night at Rockett Arena.  The Panthers improved to 6-16-0, 6-9, while the Vikings dropped to 5-15-2, 2-11-2.  

Hollingsworth now has 660 saves for her career, beating the old mark of 653 set by Jenn Toussaint in 2015.

At the 5:33 mark of the first, Emily DeSimone (Norwood, Mass.) was sent to the box for interference, and the Vikings capitalized on the power play opportunity. Vikings captain Deanna Bosco (North Andover, Mass.) slammed the puck home assisted by Alexis Thomas (Barnstable, Mass.) and Brenna Greene (Methuen, Mass.) at the 6:33 mark of the period.

The Vikings had another power play chance and were looking to extend their lead. Bosco took a hard shot at the net, but it was denied by Amelia Julian (Apple Valley, Minn.). As the period progressed, Isabella Perrotti (Winthrop, Mass.) went on a breakaway, leaving two Panthers defenders behind, but unfortunately, Julian prevented the Vikings from extending their lead.

Late into the first period, as the period was about to expire. Robyn Grant (Airdrie, Alberta) scored after a Vikings' turnover, creating a one-on-one opportunity and beating Hollingsworth on the left side, scoring top shelf at the 19:04 mark. Both teams combined had five power plays. The Panthers went 0 for 3, while the Vikings went 1 for 2 on their power play opportunities.

As both teams headed into the second period, they were determined to break the 1-1 tie.

Taking advantage of a 5 on 4 opportunity, the Panthers' Porrello scored on an assist from Brenna Smith (Medfield, Mass.). Plymouth State was looking to extend their lead and had two different opportunities where Salem State goalie Hollingsworth sacrificed her body to prevent a two-goal lead.

Through the first two periods, Julian saved 22 of 23 shots, while Hollingsworth saved 27 of 29 shots. Both teams were one for four on their power play. In terms of faceoffs, Salem State managed to secure 27 faceoffs while Plymouth State won 14.

As the clock ticked towards the final 20 minutes of the game, Salem State found themselves trailing by a goal. It was a closely contested game, with the Vikings looking to get back into the game. In the last period of regulation, Salem State was able to level the score at two goals apiece. Captain Bosco netted her second goal of the game, beating Julian with a top-shelf shot from the left side. Jaryn Chubb (Akwesasne, NY) was credited with the assist, and the crowd erupted with excitement.  

However, the joy of the Vikings and their fans was short-lived, as the Panthers managed to get the lead back just 20 seconds later. Lauren McNeil (Ottawa, Ontario) scored a goal from the left side, with DeSimone and Jacqueline Martin (Smithfield, R.I.) credited with the assists.

As the game continued, the Panthers were looking to extend their lead further. They were on a two-on-one breakaway, but fortunately for Salem State, Hollingsworth made a crucial save that went out of bounds.

Late into the period, both teams went on a four-on-four power play, with Miles and DeSimone sent to the box at the 16:03 mark of the period. Miles was penalized for roughing, and DeSimone was penalized for body checking. Perrotti almost scored during the power play, as the puck hit the crossbar and went out of bounds. However, the Panthers scored two  empty netter goals, and the game ended with a score of 5-2 in their favor.

Both teams were equally matched on power play, converting only one out of their five opportunities. Julian saved 34 of 36 shots, while Hollingsworth saved 33 of 36 shots.

The Vikings will be looking to bounce back tomorrow afternoon where they will remain at Rockett Arena to face the Castleton State Spartans. Puck drops at 3:00 p.m.