Salem State Slips Past Fitchburg State, 93-84

Four Falcons collect double-figures but fall to 3-7 in the MASCAC

FITCHBURG, Mass. (February 11, 2012) – The Fitchburg State women's basketball team had four players in double figures but the Falcons fell to Salem State University, 93-84 in MASCAC action this afternoon.

Freshman Rachel Carter (Merrimack, N.H./Merrimack) and senior Amy Barry (Manchester, N.H./Memorial) combined for 43 points in the Vikings tenth victory of the year. Carter led all Salem State scorers with 22 points, using a 13-of-15 performance at the line to pave the way. Barry was also solid with 21 points, doing her damage from beyond the arc (5-of-10), while junior Bridget Dullea (Peabody, Mass./Bishop Fenwick) added 17 points and nine boards in the contest.

Senior Rebecca Goreham (Quincy, Mass./North Quincy) sparked the Falcons offense, totaling a double-double effort with 17 points and 18 boards, while sophomore Laura Cote (Ashby, Mass./Saint Bernards) added 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting. With her 18 boards, Goreham moves into third all-time on the single season rebounds list (271), trailing Malane Perry's second place mark by only one. Sophomore Amy Fahey (Wilmington, Mass./Wilmington) rounded out the top Falcons with 17 points and ten caroms.

In the first half, Fitchburg State quickly raced out to an eight point advantage (19-11) by the 12:52 mark, but Salem State responded over the final ten minutes of play to collect a 46-35 advantage at the break. Barry led the Vikings comeback, hitting of 3-of-4 from long range, while Carter dropped ten with 8-of-10 shooting at the free-throw line.

Over the second half, Salem State continued to cruise going up by as much as 20 points (69-49) midway through the period. The Vikings strung together a commanding 15-2 run, using a pair of three's from Barry and Carter and strong post-play from Breanna Comeau (Amesbury, Mass./Amesbury).

Fitchburg State did not go quietly however, cutting the Salem State lead to only five with 1:45 left in regulation. The Falcons used a 15-6 run over the final six minutes to climb back into the contest, using back-to-back three's from Kelsey Johnston (Shirley, Mass./Saint Bernards) and Jackie Boffoli (Holden, Mass./Wachusett Regional).

The comeback was short-lived for the Falcons however, as Salem State closed out the contest with four consecutive free-throws, earning its sixth conference win of the year. The Vikings used a 40.7% shooting effort from downtown and scored 22 points off turnovers to clinch the victory. For the contest, Fitchburg State shot well, hitting 29-of-72 from the floor and 7-of-16 from beyond the arc, but 27 turnovers halted the Falcons chances of a comeback.

Fitchburg State (15-7, 3-7 MASCAC) will be back in action on Tuesday as it hosts MCLA at 5:30 p.m. Salem State (10-13, 6-4 MASCAC) will host Bridgewater State on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.