UMass Dartmouth Blanks Vikings

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

Salem, Mass- UMass Dartmouth emerged victorious against Salem State on Saturday afternoon 3-0 at Alumni Field. Three different Corsairs scored. Forward Madison Depina (Holbrook, Mass.), forward Amanda Thompson (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) and midfielder Bella Mederios (New Bedford, Mass.) were the goal scrorers. The Vikings slipped to 0-2 on the season while UMass Dartmouth improved to 2-0.  

Before the game coach Wood talked about how her team is going to bounce back from last night's loss against WPI. "They know how to play one game at a time, obviously they are going to be sore and tired. It was a quick turnaround. Usually, we do not play back-to-back so I think it is going to be a matter of how resilient they can be."   

The Corsairs drew first blood 5:23 into the game thanks to a corner kick as forward Depina scored off an assist from defenseman Veroncia Bock (Walpole, Mass.).  

Despite trailing 1 to 0, Salem State was playing aggressive soccer and they were attacking the Corsairs' zone. Later in the period, Thompson scored off an assist from Depina to increase UMass Dartmouth's lead.  

Defenseman Brenna Paquette (Hudson, N.H.) talked about the aggressiveness on this Vikings' team "I think we were very aggressive; I think our body was a little sore today, but we still played hard for most of the game."  

Coach Wood said after the game, "They are all kind of beat up from the pre-season. I think it is common this time of year because they are running so much. I think it is going to take some rest again."  

Late in the first half the Vikings were looking to cut into the lead before intermission as defenseman freshman Olivia Henke (Holbrooke, N.H.)  had an open look, but was denied by Corsair goaltender Grace Conti (Shrewsbury, Mass.).  

At the half the Vikings were down by two as goalie Lily Pfefferle (St. Paul, Minn.) saved seven out of nine shots.  

Coach Wood said after the game, "This was a perfect opportunity for us to show if we can come back. We were playing good soccer, but we need to be a little bit more dynamic."

Salem State was looking to bounce back in the second half as they made a goalie change. Connecticut native Ava Guyer (East Granby, Conn.)  took over to defend the net. The freshman made three saves in her first collegiate action.  

As for why coach Wood decided for a goalie change after the first 45 minutes, "Lilly (Pfefferle) played 90 minutes yesterday and did an excellent job and she was kind of gassed. She had a good first half, but she and our coaching staff felt we needed to give Ava (Guyer) some reps out there. Nothing went wrong, it was more she needed a little bit of rest. I think Ava getting her first game under her belt was important."  

Vikings' defenseman Savannah Scrodin (Mount Abraham, Vt.) was inches from putting her team on the board with just 31:58 remaining in the second half, but the shot deflected off the crossbar. 

Later in the period, the Corsairs added one more score thanks to midfielder Bella Medeiros's (New Bedford, Mass) goal.    

The Vikings will conclude their three game homestand on Wednesday, September 6 as they will welcome Plymouth State. Game time is 6:00 p.m. at Alumni Field.