Salem State Wins Season Opener

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass.-  Ernidia Goncalves (Everett, Mass.) and Abuk Teng (Manchester, N.H.) combined for 47 points to give Salem State their first win of the season, 87-82 against Elms on Wednesday night at Twohig Gymnasium.  The Vikings improved to 1-0, while the Blazers slipped to 0-1.    

Teng was the standout performer for the Vikings, scoring an impressive 25 points while making 10 out of 14 field goal attempts. Goncalves had a great game as well, recording her first double-double of the season with 22 points and 17 rebounds, while Kylie Gates (Pembroke, Mass.) contributed 14 points and 11 assists. Gates was just one rebound short of a triple-double, and she also made all five of her free throws. For the Blazers, Jade Lewis (Orlando, FL.) led her team with 26 points, while Rahmia Johnston (Trumbull, Ct.) had a double-double with 10 rebounds and 18 points.   

After the game Teng spoke about her 25-point performance. "If it wasn't definitely for my team I would not have the points I would've had. We pushed the ball, we stayed together, we stayed poised even though we kind of fell apart at the end. It was our defense, but I tried to do as much as I can. On the line I think I didn't miss a free throw so that probably was huge for me."  

The game got off to a great start for the Vikings, with Goncalves scoring the first basket of the 2023-24 season, thanks to a pass from Teng. However, Elms managed to score the next four points, and Salem State had two turnovers during the first four minutes of the game. Gates managed to steal the ball from Johnston and scored a two-pointer, putting the Vikings ahead 12-7. As the game progressed, Salem State was down by one, thanks to a three-pointer from Adalena Francis (Waterbury, Ct.) . But Goncalves found Abigail Bunce (Spencer, NY), who scored off the glass, putting the Vikings ahead 18-16. This was a pivotal moment for Salem State, as they went on a 6-1 run to end the first period. 

Salem State was determined to continue their dominance from the first period, and they got off to a good start, with Nicolette D'Itria (Revere, Mass.)  stealing the ball and passing to Teng, who sprinted towards the basket and scored on a layup. The Vikings had a 30-23 lead when Goncalves made a layup and extended their lead to nine by making the free throw. Midway through the period, Lewis hit a three-pointer, shrinking the Salem State's lead to three. However, the Vikings managed to come back and increase their lead to seven. Late in the period, Elms was called for a travel, and Salem State made them pay, with Jaylen Nieves (Chicopee, Mass.) hitting a three in the final minutes of the first half.   

Salem State was leading by nine by a score of 42-33. The Vikings were led by Goncalves with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Gates recorded seven assists. Teng was impressive  going 6-10 and scoring 12 points. In comparison, Johnston scored 14 points and seven rebounds for the Blazers, and Brianna Metellus (Springfield, Mass.) recorded two assists. Jade Lewis was 4-7 from the field.

After the game coach White talked about Goncalves and Teng combining for 26 points at the half. "Those two definitely are going to be our biggest scorers as long as they keep pushing the ball and being aggressive and staying away from foul trouble." 

Salem State began the second half with a 7-2 lead, highlighted with Teng's three-pointer on the right side of the court. The Vikings continued to dominate the Blazers, leading by 15 points midway through the period. Gates stole the ball from Metellus, which was recovered by Teng, who sprinted towards the net and scored a two-pointer. At one point during the third period, Salem State had its largest lead of 17 points. However, the Blazers made a comeback towards the end of the period, making the game interesting. 

Heading into the fourth period, Salem State held a seven-point lead by a score of 65-58. The Blazers continued to push late in the fourth period, making it an intense game during the fourth period. D'Itra, a newcomer to the Vikings, was at the free-throw line when she made both shots, increasing the Vikings' lead to five points by a score of 71-66. Gates made a beautiful feathery layup halfway through the period, extending the Vikings' lead to 76-68. Teng continued to dominate, making two free throws that gave her a total of 25 points. At the conclusion of this game, Salem State held on to pick up their first win of the season. 

After the game coach White reflected on the win. "It was not pretty, [at the end] but we are happy to start the season off with a win and I think it is a good way to set the tone for the rest of the season hopefully."