Endicott Gets Past Salem State 77-61

BEVERLY, Mass. – Endicott defeated Salem State 77-61 on Saturday afternoon at MacDonald Gymnasium. Gabby Torres scored 19 points and Irianis Delgado added 15 off the bench while contributing eight rebounds for the Vikings, but a strong third quarter by the Gulls propelled Endicott to a 16-point victory. The Gulls even their record to 4-4 on the season while the Vikings slide to 2-9.

Katie Wallace had eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals in 37 minutes of action for Salem State, which struggled from behind the arc, connecting on just 6-of-22 attempts (27.3%). Endicott was led by Tara Laugeni - 18 points, eight boards, Emily St. Thomas - 18 points and Sarah Dempsey - 16 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.

The Gulls led 20-16 after one period. Trailing 26-21 in the second, the Vikings closed the quarter on an 11-2 run with Torres scoring the final six points. However, Endicott seized control of the game, scoring 14 unanswered points after a basket by Laugeni gave the Gulls a 42-32 lead at the 4:39 mark. A Delgado three ended the drought, and a Zaiter free throw cut the deficit to six points 44-38, but the Gulls exited the quarter leading 53-42. 

A Torres layup drew Salem State to within 58-52 with 6:16 remaining, but a 12-1 spurt by the Gulls pushed the lead to its largest of 17 points, 70-53 with 3:18 left. Endicott held a 40-24 advantage in the paint while shooting 19-of-41 (46.3%) in the second half.