Vikings Coast to Senior Night Win Over Falcons

SALEM, Mass. – Salem State surpassed 100 points in a game for the first time since 2005 as the Vikings throttled Fitchburg State 108-64 on "Senior Night" at Twohig Gymnasium in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) play. The Vikings improve to 13-11 on the year and go to 6-3 in conference. The Falcons are now 3-21 and 0-9. Salem State last scored more than 100 points in 2005 in a 103-97 victory over Plymouth State. 

The Vikings honored seniors Kylie Gates (Pembroke, Mass.), Nicolette D'Itria  (Revere, Mass.), Abuk Teng (Manchester, N.H.) and grad-student Liz Zaiter (Peabody, Mass.) in a pre-game ceremony for their dedication and commitment to the women's basketball program. 

Kylie Gates (Pembroke, Mass.) topped the 30-point mark for the second time in her career, pouring in 31 points on 11-of-21 (52.4%) shooting to go with nine assists and four steals to lead Salem State. Ernidia Goncalves (Everett, Mass.) totaled 16 points and added nine rebounds while Abuk Teng (Manchester, N.H.) contributed 14 points and six boards. Kylie Schrock (Rockport, Mass.) - 10 points and Jaylen Nieves (Chicopee, Mass.) - nine points, five assists and three steals provided solid contributions for the Vikings. 

Rylie Harlow (Hanson, Mass.) scored 14 points for the Falcons while Stephanie Hart (Shirley, Mass.) had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds for Fitchburg State. 

How it Happened:

• Salem State produced 31 first quarter points to take a commanding 31-18 lead after one as the Vikings used a balanced attack, shooting 59.1% (13-22) from the floor, including 62.5% (5-of-8) from three-point range.
• The Falcons struggled offensively in the second quarter, going more than three minutes without a basket as Salem State built a 41-20 lead. An 11-4 run by Salem State to close out the half gave them a 53-29 advantage.   
• Gates and Goncalves combined for 15 points in the third quarter as Salem State continued to add to its lead. Six consecutive points by Teng for the Vikings increased the margin to 67-40 with 5:22 left in the quarter. Gates pushed the lead to 30-points (75-45) with her third three-pointer of the night before her layup gave Salem State a 78-47 advantage headlining into the fourth.       
• The Vikings went over the 100 points mark on a made three by Maggy Sarnacki (East Otis, Mass.) with 2:36 remaining in the fourth. Two free throws by Lamia Ashley (Norwalk, Conn.) gave Salem State their largest lead of the night, 104-58 at 1:27 of the final period.   

Inside the Numbers:

• Salem State outrebounded Fitchburg State 52-42.
• 11 different Vikings scored as the Salem State bench produced 36 points. 
• The Falcons finished just 3-of-23 (13.0%) from three-point range.

Up Next:

Salem State ends their regular season at Westfield State this Saturday, February 22 at 2:00 pm.