Fitchburg State Rebounds Over Salem State, 75-60

Rogers collects a double-double in Falcons victory;
Payette becomes program's all-time rebound leader

FITCHBURG, Mass. (February 14, 2009) - Sophomore Kelley Rogers (Lowell, Mass./Lowell) collected a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds as Fitchburg State cruised past Salem State, 75-60 in MASCAC action this afternoon.

Rogers led the Falcons offensive efforts, shooting 6-of-13 from the floor, including 2-of-6 from three point range. Senior Stephanie Payette (Townsend, Mass./North Middlesex) was also solid for Fitchburg State as she became the program's all-time leader in rebounds with her 814^th career board. Payette aided the Falcons with nine points and eight boards, while freshman Jamie Bertilson (Ridgefield, Conn./Ridgefield) added 13 points and eight caroms.

Junior Danielle Jenkins (Marlborough, Mass./Marlborough) was one rebound shy of a double-double, leading Salem State with 16 points and nine rebounds. Classmate Katie Bielonko (Winslow, Maine/Winslow) was also strong with 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, while senior Lauren Wholley (Danvers, Mass./Pingree School) chipped in with ten points and four boards.

Fitchburg State posted an 11-2 run midway through the first frame to post a 39-32 advantage at the break. Bertilson led the Falcons first half attack with ten points and five boards, while Rogers connected for seven points and eight rebounds. Freshman Amy Barry (Manchester, N.H./Memorial) led Salem State with six points and two rebounds.

In the second half, Salem State responded early, cutting the Fitchburg State lead to two (41-37), but the Falcons exploded for a 15-4 run over the next seven minutes to take a commanding 56-41 lead. Rogers registered seven points in the scoring rally, while sophomore Kim Duprey (Bernardston, Mass./Pioneer Valley) drained a shot from beyond the arc.     

Fitchburg State continued its scoring over the next several minutes, jumping out to an 18 point lead (65-47) with 7:20 remaining in regulation. Salem State battled back throughout the second period, hitting 41.7% of its shots from the floor, but the Falcons turned up its defense down the stretch to secure its seventh MASCAC victory of the season.

Fitchburg State (14-9, 7-3 MASCAC) will be in action on Tuesday as it hosts MCLA at 5:30 p.m. Salem State (8-15, 3-7 MASCAC) will travel to Bridgewater State on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

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Fitchburg State 75, Salem State 60