Vikings Tie Owls

SALEM, Mass. - The Salem State Vikings and the Westfield State Owls women's soccer match ended as a 0-0 draw on senior night. Before the game the Vikings honored their six seniors in a pre-game ceremony. Captain Kaitlyn Curley (Wilmington, Mass.) who played four years, Captain Ceara Kelly (Holbrook, Mass.) who played three years, Keely Gallagher (Middleton, Mass.) who played four years, Captain Ashley Leboeuf (Dracut, Mass.) who played for four years, Goalkeeper Amanda Backe (Danvers, Mass.) who played for four years and Colleen Hurley (Braintree, Mass.) who played for four years. All seniors performed at a high level throughout their careers. Salem State is now 5-10-1 and 3-3-1 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) while the Owls are 7-6-3 and 4-1-2 in the conference.   

In the first half, the game was even as both teams didn't have many chances to score. Juliana Templeman (East Longmeadow, Mass.) missed a shot wide right failing to put the Owls on the board. In the 35th minute, Westfield State had a free kick opportunity and Hallee Tripp (Somerset, Mass.) headed the ball but was saved by Amanda Backe (Danvers, Mass.). The Vikings and the Owls ended the half with two shots each.

In the second half, Backe made a key defensive save to deflect Ashley Levya's (Walpole, Mass.) shot to keep Westfield State from taking the lead. 

Katie Brown (Milford, Mass.) had an opportunity to put Salem State on the board, but her shot was too high as it hit the crossbar.  

In extra time, Salem State took two corners and Westfield took three corners. Neither team could take advantage which led the game ending in a draw. 

Westfield State finished the match with seven shots and the Vikings attempted eight shots.

Natalia Falcone (Sutton, Mass.) saved five shots and Backe saved five shots as well.