Salem State Edges Fitchburg State, 2-1

Donnelly collects first collegiate marker in Falcons setback

FITCHBURG, Mass.– Kelly Birchmore registered two goals as Salem State collected a 2-1 victory over the Falcons of Fitchburg State on 'Think Pink" day at Alumni Field on Saturday afternoon.

With the win, the Vikings snap a six-game unbeaten streak (0-4-2) and earn their third MASCAC win while improving to 5-5-4. The Falcons slide to 3-13-1, and 0-5-1 in conference.

Salem State controlled the tempo of the game early, leading with nine shots in the half as the Falcons tallied just three. The Vikings were finally able to capitalize on their governing offense as Birchmore netted her first goal of the game in the 26th minute on a pass from Victoria Clancy for the 1-0 margin going into the intermission.

Following the break, the Falcons had an opportunity to tie the game in the 60th minute, but Vikings' goaltender Rachel Ledbetter denied senior Sierra Santos on a penalty kick to keep Salem State atop 1-0.

With less than 15 minutes remaining, Sarah Haley kept the ball out of the Falcons net with a nice kick save on a Vikings' cross to keep the deficit to one. However, with less than a minute left, Birchmore buried her second goal of the day and fourth of the year to increase Salem State's lead to 2-0. The Falcons were able to get one back with 18.5 seconds on a score by senior Devin Donnelly, but their efforts were too late as the Vikings went on to win 2-1.

In between the pipes, Ledbetter finished with five stops for Salem State in the complete game effort, while senior Kelsey Ford made six saves in 90 minutes of work for the Falcons.

Salem State will next host the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales University on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Fitchburg State will host the Lancers of Worcester State next Saturday for a contest starting at 10 a.m.

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