Falcons Rebound Over Vikings, 16-11

Napolitano, Alves and Gagnon-Burch combine for ten goals in MASCAC victory 

Salem, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's lacrosse team defeated the Vikings of Salem State University, 16-11 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this evening at Alumni Field.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 16, Salem State 11

Records: Fitchburg State (7-5, 2-2 MASCAC) | Salem State (2-10, 2-2 MASCAC) 

How It Happened

Fitchburg State broke a 2-2 tie early in the first half as senior Carrie Long (Foxboro, Mass.) connected on a free position goal with 16:53 left in the frame. The Falcons extended its margin (8-2) with sophomore Sarah Napolitano (Peabody, Mass.) notching a pair of markers, while junior Sarah Mallahan (Dracut, Mass.) classmate Anna Gagnon-Burch (Putney, Vt.) and freshman Madison Alves (Braintree, Mass.) added one score each during the run.

Salem State cut the deficit to 9-4 on goals from senior Courtney Smith (Peabody, Mass.) and freshman Tara McLaughlin (Woburn, Mass.) before the Green and Gold took an 11-5 edge into the locker room on a marker by Napolitano.

Following the intermission, Fitchburg State upped its lead (15-7) as Alves, Gagnon-Burch and freshman Alyssa Anderson (Lowell, Mass.) notched goals. Salem State rallied, going on a 4-1 run with junior Paige Giuliano (Braintree, Mass.) netting two scores, while freshman Gabriella Hicks (Springfield, Mass.) and sophomore Rose Sullivan (Charlestown, Mass.) chipping in with one goal each, resulting in the 16-11 final.

Inside the Numbers

11th meeting between the two schools in lacrosse with the Falcons 11-0 all-time when taking on the Vikings.

Fitchburg State has won the last ten matchups with Salem State, including a 9-6 decision last season in opening round action of the 2017 MASCAC women's lacrosse post-season tournament as former Falcon Ali Laferriere paced the Falcons with four points on two goals and two assists as well as two ground balls and three draw controls.

Napolitano led the way for the Falcons with a game-best six points on four goals and two assists, while Alves added three scores and two helpers as well as five ground balls, one draw control and three caused turnovers.

For the Vikings, Guiliano finished with a team-leading three goals, four ground balls, three draw controls and one caused turnover, while Sullivan added to the mix with two markers, three ground balls, two draw controls and three caused turnovers.

In between the pipes, junior Marguerite Belcher (Quincy, Mas.) made five saves for Fitchburg State in the complete game effort, while newcomer Gianna DeNisco (Peabody, Mass.) stopped 11 shots for Salem State in 60 minutes of work.

Up Next

Falcons will host the Bears of Bridgewater State on Friday for a MASCAC matchup, starting at 5:00 PM. Vikings will travel to Emmanuel College on Thursday to take on the Saints for a non-conference tilt at 7:00 PM.