Mikayla Mason's Hat Trick Leads Vikings

SALEM, MASS. -- Mikayla Mason (Beverly, Mass.) recorded a hat-trick year as Salem State defeated Fitchburg State 3-0 in Little East field hockey action at Alumni Field. The win propels Salem State to 3-2 and 1-1 in the LEC. The Falcons are now 1-5 and 0-2 in conference.

The teams nearly played through a scoreless first quarter before Mason punched home a rebound in the 14^th minute for her fourth goal of the year, giving Salem State a 1-0 lead. Mikayla Mason posted her second goal of the game late in the second quarter as the Vikings carried a 2-0 lead into halftime. Salem State held a slight advantage in shots (8-7) over the first 30 minutes.

Mason completed the trifecta, scoring her third goal of the game off a corner attempt in the 40^th minute, extending Salem State's lead to 3-0.  

Kelli McCarthy (Foxborough, Mass.) and Molly Rayn (Brimfield, Mass.) combined for 10 saves in the shutout as McCarthy picked up the win making eight saves. Mackenzie Schmink (Danvers, Mass.) had two assists for the Vikings.

Jenna Morse (Leominster, Mass.) suffered the loss, allowing all three goals while making eight saves. Cheyenne Dunn (Holyoke, Mass.) made one save in relief.

The Vikings held a slight 14-13 edge in shots.