Fitchburg State Rallies Past Vikings, 16-9

Salem, Mass. - Jaimee Lutz netted four goals as the Falcons of Fitchburg State surged past the Vikings of Salem State, 16-9 on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field. The Falcons improve their record to 10-2 and 2-1 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). Salem State falls to 5-6 on the season and drop to 0-3 in the MASCAC.

Lutz got the Falcons off to a strong start, scoring twice, as she led Fitchburg State on a 3-0 run in the opening minutes.  Courtney Smith answered for the Vikings to bring the score to 3-1, but was immediately followed by a Falcons' goal from Lindsey White. On a free position shot, Kristen Caso beat Fitchburg State goalie Elizabeth Darrigo to cut Salem State's deficit to 4-2. However, the Falcons retaliated with two consecutive goals from Carrie Long and Lutz to enhance Fitchburg State's advantage to 6-2 midway through the half. Kristina Conlon and Elizabeth Kozak scored the Vikings final goals in the first half, but it was not enough as the Falcons doubled that with four goals that gave them a halftime lead of 10-4.

In the second half, the Vikings' offense picked up some slack as they started the half with a three-goal run that came from Smith and Kristina Ventura, who scored twice. Down 10-7, Salem State's defense pressured the high scoring Falcons, but they gave up an easy free position goal to Long, who extended Fitchburg State's lead to 11-7. Seconds later, Lutz scored her fourth and final goal of the game to put the Falcons up 12-7. Caso found Erin Riley for a score to cut the Falcons margin to 12-8, but it was followed up by four consecutive Fitchburg State goals that gave the Falcons a commanding 16-8 edge. Amanda Nihan closed out the scoring Vikings as the Falcons cruised to a 16-9 victory.

Fitchburg State outshot the Vikings 29-25 and got the best of Salem State in groundballs (21-15). Darrigo made 10 saves for the Falcons in their win as did Chyenne Jackson in the loss.

Corinne DeSimone also recorded four points (3g, 1a) in the Falcons win. Salem State was led by Smith and Ventura who each tallied two goals apiece.

Fitchburg State's season resumes on April 14th when they host the Rams of Framingham State at 7:00 p.m. The Vikings will take the field again on April 14^th when they travel to Massachusetts Maritime Academy to face the Buccaneers at 7:30 p.m. for a MASCAC matchup.

COURTESY OF SALEM STATE SPORTS INFORMATION