Fitchburg State Shoots Past Salem State, 85-73

Wodzinski collects a season-best 30 points to lead Falcons to first MASCAC victory

The Falcons improved to 8-8 overall and 1-3 in MASCAC play, while the Vikings fall to 8-9 and 1-3 in the league. 

Fitchburg State used a 12-2 run late in the first half to break open a tie game and take a 41-33 lead into the locker room. Wodzinski buried a three and Amy Fahey (Wilmington, Mass./Wilmington) scored five points to key the spurt. The Falcons led at the intermission despite committing 17 turnovers, as they shot a sizzling 59% (17-29) from the field.

In the second half, Wodzinski stayed hot, scoring nine points in the first 10 minutes, but the Falcons could not increase the lead, as the Vikings' Rachel Carter (Merrimack, NH) also had nine points. Trailing 63-53 with 10:24 remaining, the Vikings mounted a comeback, ripping off a 9-2 run over the next 90 seconds to get within three (65-62). Carter scored five points during the streak, but Fitchburg State stopped the bleeding as Wodzinski hit a three to cap an 11-0 run four minutes later, and the Falcons lead was 14, 78-64.

Bridget Dullea (Peabody, Mass.) and Carter hit threes for Salem State down the stretch, but Fahey and Madeline Merchant (Gardner, Mass./Monty Tech) went 6-6 from the free throw line in the final two minutes to help the Falcons secure the win.

Wodzinski shot 12-21 from the field, including 3-5 from three-point range. She added 13 rebounds and four assists, as she played all 40 minutes. Fahey scored 21 points and had 13 boards, while Tori Cyrus (Everett, Mass./Everett) chipped in with 11 points and four assists. The Falcons shot 55% for the game (32-58).

Salem State was led by Carter, who had 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Dullea added 15 points and Sandra Lanier (Groton, Mass.) had 10, to go along with a team-high nine rebounds. The Vikings remained close by grabbing an astounding 34 offensive rebounds, but were hindered by poor shooting as they were 30-100 from the field.