Falcons Defeated By Vikings In Three Sets

Carroll nets team-best five kills in conference setback

Fitchburg, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to the Vikings of Salem State University in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletics Conference action this evening at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 0, Salem State 3 (15-25, 17-25, 9-25)

Records: Fitchburg State (2-17, 0-5 MASCAC) | Salem State (12-8, 4-1 MASCAC)

Set One

In the opening set, Salem State took a 3-1 margin on a service ace by junior Morgan Adams (Scotia, N.Y.) before Fitchburg State knotted the score (5-5) after a bad set. The Vikings regained the lead on a kill from junior Alexandra Maloney (Bridgewater, Mass.), resulting in the 25-15 first set final.

Set Two

In the second set, the Falcons grabbed a 9-5 edge following a kill by senior Kathryn Carroll (Shrewsbury, Mass.). The Vikings battled back to take a 12-11 lead on an attack error before senior Payton Pizzano (Stoughton, Mass.) closed out the second set for the visitors with a service ace for the 25-17 final.

Set Three

In the final set, Salem State opened up a 10-1 advantage as sophomore Genevieve Kempster (Hopedale, Mass.) converted a kill. Fitchburg State cut the deficit to 14-4 following a kill by Carroll, but the Vikings went on to notch five of the final six points of the set, resulting in the 25-9 third set final

Inside the Numbers

This morning's matchup will mark the 22nd meeting between the two squads on the volleyball court with the Falcons 4-18 all-time when taking on the Vikings.

Salem State has won the last six meetings with Fitchburg State, including a 3-0 decision last season at the Twohig Gymnasium.

Fitchburg State was led by sophomore Perry Joubert (Seekonk, Mass.) with a team-leading ten digs, while Carroll added five kills and one assist. Sophomore Lauren Riccardi (Tewksbury, Mass.) was also solid for the Falcons, collecting seven digs, two kills and two assists.

For Salem State, Adams registered a double-double of 20 assists and 15 digs as well as two kills and one blocking assist, while newcomer Brynn O'Neill (Danvers, Mass.) chipped in with nine kills, one service ace and three digs.

Up Next

Falcons will travel to MCLA on Wednesday to take on the Trailblazers for a MASCAC matchup, starting at 6:00 PM. Vikings will host the Saints of Emmanuel College on Tuesday for a non-conference tilt at 7:00 PM.