Melanie Mason's Goal the Difference in Salem State's 1-0 Victory over Western Connecticut

SALEM, Mass. – Melanie Mason (Beverly, Mass.) netted the only goal of the game as Salem State held on to defeat Little East opponent Western Connecticut, 1-0 on "Senior Day" at Alumni Field. The Vikings even their record at 7-7 and improve to 5-5 in the Little East. The Colonials slip to 6-8 and 4-6 in conference.

Salem State honored the members of its senior class in a pre-game ceremony. Isabel Mendoza (Merrimac, Mass.) Kaylan Harkins (Halifax, Mass.), Caroline Hebert (Upton, Mass.), Marissa Laganas (Beverly, Mass.), Allison Couillard (Tewksbury, Mass.), Stephanie Santorella (Danvers, Mass.) and Kelli McCarthy (Foxborough, Mass.) were all recognized for their commitment and dedication to the program.

Salem State controlled the tempo in the first half, compiling an 11-2 advantage in shots, including a 7-0 margin in the second quarter while holding a 6-1 lead in corners. Western Connecticut goalie Kayla Hnasko (Raritan, N.J.) played a strong first half to keep the Colonials in the game.

The Vikings had two scoring chances with less than six minutes remaining in the second period  as Allison Couillard (Tewksbury, Mass.) broke free on a breakaway and Mikayla Mason (Beverly, Mass.) had a point-blank opportunity, but both times Hnasko turned away the opposition.

Melanie Mason (Beverly, Mass.) finally broke the stalemate for the Vikings in the 25th minute when she put home a loose ball for her fourth goal of the year.

A scoreless third quarter, in which only five shots combined were attempted, led to the Vikings holding a 1-0 lead into the fourth.

Salem State squandered three corner attempts with a man-advantage in the final minutes allowing Western Connecticut one final chance to tie the game. Sydney Chenoweth (Baldwinville, Mass.) had the best opportunity for the Colonials late in the period, as her shot, which was deflected by McCarthy, led to an open net, but Western Connecticut could not get in position to put in the rebound.

McCarthy saved five shots in the win while Hnasko made eight saves for the Colonials.

Salem State finished with a 15-9 edge in shots and a 12-6 advantage in corners.