Vikings Lose Conference Opener

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

Salem, Mass. --  On Friday night at Alumni Field, the Salem State Vikings began MASCAC action with a 3-0 loss to the Fitchburg State Falcons. This win brings the Falcons' record to 2-4, 1-0, while the Vikings fall to 0-5-1, 0-1.   

Prior to the game, coach Wood expressed the significance of the first conference game of the season against the Falcons. "I think it is important because it is a good way to measure where we are going to be. Fitchburg ended our season last year.  They were the last team that we played, but at the same time I think we have a chance to see where we are at…" 

From the start of the game, the Vikings were relentlessly attacking the Falcons' zone. Lindsay McGotty (Morristown, N.J.)  had an early chance with a shot in the first six minutes of the game, but unfortunately, it went wide. The game then became an aggressive and competitive battle between both teams. As the game continued, Adrianna Westcott (Sayreville, N.J.) took a shot that was denied by Lily Pfefferle (St. Paul, Minn.), who made a diving save, preventing the Falcons from scoring.   

Both teams had almost identical shots but couldn't score. The Falcons had twelve while the Vikings had eleven. However, with just four minutes left before halftime, the Falcons were looking to score. Pfefferle made another spectacular save, and the score remained scoreless heading into the half. 

The Falcons started the second half attacking the Vikings' zone with Westcott leading the charge, but unfortunately, they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. A few minutes later, Vikings' goalkeeper Pfefferle could not hold on to a shot, allowing Noele Kennedy (Walpole, Mass.) to score with an assist from Ashley Porter (Upton, Mass.), giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead at the 52-minute mark. 

In the 63rd minute, Charlotte Meixsell (Boxford, Mass.) added an insurance goal, shooting one inside the net, extending the Falcons' lead to 2-0. Kendra Peretzman (Randolph, Mass.) attempted to add another goal, but Pfefferle made another impressive save, preventing the Falcons from scoring again. 

The Vikings were hoping for a late rally to stay in the game, but unfortunately, it didn't happen as they were shutout for the third time this season. With just 39 seconds remaining in the game, Stella Liebler (Plainville, Ct.) scored on an assist from Porter, making it a 3-0 final for the Falcons. 

The Vikings will be looking to regroup this upcoming Thursday when they take on Northern Vermont-Lyndon for a non-conference game. Game time is at 4:00 p.m.