Pair of Vikings Earn All-Conference
Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
SALEM, Mass. -- Senior Kylie Gates (Pembroke, Mass.) and sophomore Ernidia Goncalves (Everett, Mass.) were named to the 2023-24 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Women's Basketball All-Conference Second Team as voted on by the leagues's seven head coaches in an announcement on Wednesday.
Gates averaged a career-high 14.7 ppg in 2023-24, ranking 9th in the MASCAC in scoring. Her 170 assists placed her second in the league and she co-led the MASCAC, averaging 3.2 steals per game. Gates also topped the league with 86 steals, which rank sixth all-time at Salem State for a single season. The senior guard started every game this past year for the Vikings, logging a league-high 1,055 minutes played.
Goncalves had a breakout season for the Vikings, leading the MASCAC with 17 double-doubles. Goncalves topped the conference with 320 rebounds with a 12.8 rpg average, both accomplishments set new all-time marks for a single season in Salem State basketball history. The sophomore forward's 16.8 ppg average and 421 total points were 4th best in the MASCAC this year. The former MASCAC Rookie of the Year led the conference for the second straight year in blocked shots, tallying 60.
Goncalves talked about accomplishing the new all-time mark for a single season in rebounds and rebounds per game. " Setting the new all-time mark for most rebounds in a single season is something that I'm very proud of, and just shows the hard work and dedication I put in."
Gates on what it meant to be named second team all-conference. "It means a lot to be named to the second team, especially in our league where there are really talented players. It feels great to be recognized for the work I put in and I'm very happy with it." Goncalves added, "It feels great to be named second team all-conference. 'Not that some of my teammates and I weren't first team worthy,' but this league has a lot of competitors and sometimes things don't always go the way you want them too. At the end of the day the numbers are always goanna show."
Goncalves wasn't surprised about her achievement. "No, I wasn't surprised about this achievement. It just shows the hard work I put in, and the improvement I've made from last season to this season." She also mentioned the difference between last season, when she was named rookie of the year, and this season's All-MASCAC recognition. "This achievement is different because anyone in the MASCAC can receive this award instead of just rookies, and because I was one of the few that received it, it means a lot."
Gates credited her teammates as well. "I give my teammates and my coaches a lot of credit for this achievement. I have a great group of people around me, and we always work to make each other better. They push me throughout the season, and I couldn't have done it without all of them." Goncalves mentioned "I am very thankful for my teammates of course, because without them I wouldn't have been able to succeed, so I thank them for that."
Goncalves talked about certain goals that she had for this season. "My main goal this season was to stay consistent with my work, and I achieved that well for the most part. Coming to practice every day ready to compete and then having that translated into the game was one of the things that I felt I improved on a lot this season." Gates added, "This season I really wanted to progress and make a leap as a player. I wanted to improve my scoring as well as my playmaking and I think I accomplished that goal so it's nice to be recognized for it."
A game that resonates for them during the course of the season was the MASCAC quarterfinal game when the Vikings defeated the Lancers in overtime, 84-80 on February 20 at Twohig Gymnasium. Gates spoke about that game and said, "The home playoff game against Worcester was my favorite game of the season. The entire team and gym had great energy and it was great to win in overtime." Goncalves added, "A game that I'll forever remember is our first playoff game against Worcester. Salem State women's basketball usually loses to Worcester in the first round almost every year, so being able to get the win at home was really great and heartfelt."
Goncalves mentioned what she wants to improve on during the offseason to be prepared for the 2024-25 campaign. "Just trying to expand my game overall I think is the main goal going into next season; becoming a threat both in and outside the paint." Gates added, "This offseason I want to continue my progression. Every year I have seen improvements with my offense, so I'm going to keep working on my shooting and overall game. Next year, we as a team have set higher goals for ourselves, and it's important for us all to be working out in the offseason to come back in the best shape possible."
Gates lastly wanted to thank her family and friends. "I would like to thank my family and friends for all the support throughout the entire season. I couldn't have achieved this without them."