Falcons End Salem State's Season

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass. - Charlotte Meixswell (Boxford, Mass.) scored a goal and an assist as fifth seeded Fitchburg State defeated fourth seeded Salem State, 3-1 in MASCAC quarterfinal action Tuesday afternoon at Alumni Field. The Vikings end their season 4-12-2, while the Falcons finish 4-11-4.  Fitchburg State will head to number one seeded Bridgewater State Friday for a semifinal match at 6:00 PM. 

Fitchburg State immediately put pressure on the Vikings' defense with their relentless attacking. Adrianna Westcott (Sayreville, NJ) took a shot from about 16 yards out, but Lily Pfefferle (St. Paul, Minnesota) made a fantastic save to keep the game scoreless. The Vikings responded with an impressive shot by Brenna Paquette's (Hudson, N.H.) from 48 yards out, which curved and hit the crossbar. 

Fitchburg State found themselves in a corner kick situation and almost scored, but Sydney Durkin (Dracut, Mass.) made a crucial block that kept them from taking the lead. Salem State then went on the offensive, looking for their own chance to score. However, it was Fitchburg who struck first, with Meixswell finding the back of the net.

The Falcons continued to push for a second goal, and Westcott seemed to have scored, only for the goal to be called off. As the game progressed, it was Westcott who finally was able to extend their lead, scoring with a well-placed shot to the left side of the net on an assist from Meixswell. 

The second half, Salem State looked to turn things around and mount a comeback. Both teams were competitive, with Ashley Porter (Upton, Mass.) taking a shot from 50 yards out that Pfefferle was able to save. However, Kendra Peretzman (Randolph, Mass.) was in the right place at the right time and scored on a rebound in the 59th minute. Scrodin then added a goal for Salem State from about ten yards out with a well-placed shot to the left of the net.   

With fifteen minutes left the game, Salem State was still down by two goals, but they continued to attack Fitchburg's zone. However, they were unable to execute and find the back of the net, while Fitchburg's defense held strong to secure the win. 

Pfefferle saved four out of seven shots, while Dawkins saved nine out of ten. Fitchburg State had six corner kicks, and Salem State had one. The Falcons committed five fouls, and the Vikings committed two.