Warriors Clip Vikings 3-2

Mansfield, Conn. -- Salem State closed out their 2021 Little East regular season with a 3-2 loss to Eastern Connecticut on Saturday afternoon at Rick McCarthy Field. The Vikings (8-8, 6-6) and Warriors (11-5, 7-5) both advance to the conference post-season tournament next week with seeding still to be determined. 

Isabel Sanchez notched the only goal of the first period on an assist from Isabel Sanchez at the 5:48 mark of the first. Two second period goals by the Vikings gave Salem State a 2-1 lead heading into halftime. Mikayla Mason set up both goals, the first to Julia Paulino just forty-three seconds into the second period and later found Allison Couillard, who ripped a shot just inside the left post for her seventh goal of the year.

Salem State held a decided advantage in shots in the first half (9-4) and a 5-4 edge in corners.

Two second half goals by Brianna Nolan were the difference as Nolan tallied a score each in the third and fourth quarters, the second at the 48:52 mark proved to be the game-winner.

Th Vikings struggled to gain momentum on offense, compiling just two shots on net after halftime.

Sarah Gallagher made six saves in the win. Kelli McCarthy was credited with two stops for Salem State.