Fitchburg State Takes Down Salem State, 74-71

Four Falcons post double-figures in key MASCAC victory

SALEM, Mass. (January 20, 2011) – The Fitchburg State women’s basketball team rallied from a 10-point deficit with just over four minutes remaining to record a stunning 74-71 victory over Salem State University in a MASCAC matchup this evening.

Fitchburg State outscored Salem State 14-1 down the stretch to record a dramatic come-from-behind victory.

MOLLY MALONEY

The Vikings opened the game on a 15-5 run, highlighted by two Madeline Park (Blue Hill, Maine) three-pointers. However, the Falcons recovered and built a six-point lead before the break with clutch free-throw shooting. Freshman Amy Fahey (Wilmington, Mass./Wilmington) kept Fitchburg State within striking distance as she scored seven first-half points, including 5-of-6 from the free throw line.

Park and Tara Driscoll (Swampscott, Mass.) helped Salem State open up a 70-60 lead with 4:04 remaining, combining for five three-point baskets, as the Lady Vikings hit a total of eight three-pointers in the period.

Trailing 70-63, senior Molly Maloney (Taunton, Mass./Taunton) keyed the Falcons rally with a big three-point basket and freshman Alyssa Orszulak (Palmer, Mass./Palmer) knocked in two free throws to cut the deficit to 71-69 with 1:34 remaining.

Senior Megan Jacobs (Stoughton, Mass./Stoughton) gave the Falcons the lead for good with a  three-point basket with 39 seconds remaining. After forcing a stop, Maloney sank two free throws with five seconds left to ice the game. Senior Melissa Proffitt (Hubbardston, Mass./Quabbin Regional) led Fitchburg State with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Fahey finished with 12 points and five boards.

Park led all scorers in the game for Salem State scoring 17 points and adding six rebounds. Driscoll collected 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting and Breanna Comeau (Amesbury, Mass.) chipped in 12 points for the Vikings.          

Fitchburg State (8-6, 2-1 MASCAC) will be in action again on Saturday as it travels to MCLA at 1 p.m. Salem State (3-9, 1-2 MASCAC) will host Bridgewater State University on Saturday at 1 p.m.

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Fitchburg State 74, Salem State 71