Mahoney's Hat Trick Lifts Salem State Past New England College

SALEM, Mass. – Carolyn Mahoney (Melrose, Mass.) notched her first career hat trick as Salem State defeated New England College 5-1 in a New England Hockey Conference matchup on Friday night at Rockett Arena. The Vikings pick up their first conference win (1-6) while improving to 2-7 on the year. The Pilgrims slip to 2-6 and 0-5 in the NEHC.

Salem State and New England College played a scoreless first period until Alexis Thomas (Barnstable, Mass.) deflected a wrister by Isabella Perrotti (Winthrop, Mass.) at the 15:55 mark of the first period.  

Salem State State exploded for three goals in the second period to take a commanding 4-1 lead. Mahoney picked up a loose puck at the blue line and beat goalie Hannah Podvey (West Caldwell, N.J.) for a 2-0 Vikings' lead 3:22 into the period. Thomas extended the lead with her second of the night, a breakaway goal at the 12:08 mark before Cassie Kelly (Alexandria, Minn.) got one back for New England College, putting home a rebound while the Pilgrims enjoyed a two-man advantage. Salem State continued their strong play in the middle period as Mahoney ripped home a goal for a 4-1 lead in the final minute and a half.  

Mahoney put home a rebound on a Salem State power play for her third goal of the game at the 8:24 mark of the third for a four-goal Vikings' advantage. Kaia Hollingsworth (Methuen, Mass.) made 22 stops for Salem State in the victory. Podvey saved 19 shots for the Pilgrims. The Vikings held a slim 24-23 advantage in shots on goal.