Brown Lifts Salem State Past UMass Dartmouth

SALEM, Mass. -- Katie Brown (Milford, Mass.) converted a penalty kick in the 75^h minute to lift Salem State to a 1-0 victory over UMass Dartmouth on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field. The win was the first of the year for the Vikings, who even their record at 1-1. The Corsairs slip to 2-1-1.

Just one shot attempt was recorded by either team in the first half as netminders Jaimee O'Brien (West Springfield, Mass.) and Amanda Backe (Danvers, Mass.) were not tested over the first 45:00 minutes..

The defensive stalemate continued into the second half before Brown was awarded a penalty kick and easily beat UMass Dartmouth goalie O'Brien with a low shot into the right hand corner. Salem State seemingly energized by the score dominated possession over the final 10 minutes and had two opportunities to extend the lead. However, O'Brien came up with a big stop against Erin Hartwell (Nottingham, N.H.) as she deflected her shot above the cross bar from point-range and the Corsairs dodged another near-miss as Ashley Leboeuf's  (Dracut, Mass.) attempt deflected off the crossbar.

Amanda Backe (Danvers, Mass.) picked up the win for Salem State, stopping two shots while O'Brien was also credited with two saves.

The Vikings held a 7-1 advantage in corners with most coming late in the game and held a 5-2 advantage in shots.