Salem State Hands Women's Soccer A 2-1 Defeat In MASCAC Play

Salem, MA --- Sophomore Lauren Kilduff (Walpole, MA) scored the game-winner in the Salem State University Vikings' 2-1 victory over the Worcester State University Lancers on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field. 

First-year Lauren Garchinsky (Saugus, MA) earned the win for her effort making  four saves on five shots on goal. The Vikings improve to 5-9-1 on the season and earned their first win in six conference match-ups. Senior Rachel Armenti (West Boylston, MA) was marked for the loss with one save on three shots. Worcester State drops to 8-4-3 on the season and are now 3-1-2 in the conference. 

Freshman Megan O'Leary (Whitman, MA) put the Lancers on the scoreboard midway through the first period at 35:12. Deep in the offensive zone, classmate Brittany Rotatori (Auburn, MA) sent a pass to O'Leary in front of the net to connect for a 1-0 lead. 

Senior Kara Rogato (North Andover, MA) had an opportunity to increase the lead to two goals. However, her breakaway opportunity was nullified by an offsides violation. 

The Vikings were unable to capitalize on their best scoring chance of the half. At 36:50 third-year Jackie Gauthier (Danvers, MA) drove the ball down field but her shot scraped off the top of the crossbar. 

Salem State evened the score in the 57th minute when Gauthier booted a KatyLyn Verrette (Saugus, MA) feed past Armenti. 

Kilduff then put Salem State ahead for good at 81:20. Armanti was unable to handle a shot on goal, the ensuing rebound was cleaned up by Kilduff, who buried the ball past the goaltender to give the Vikings the 2-1 lead.
 
The Salem State University Vikings will travel Wednesday to take on Wheaton College Lyons at Mirrone Stadium. The Vikings will conclude their season in the following game against The Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buccaneers on Saturday at 3 o'clock. The Lancers will host UMass-Dartmouth on Tuesday night at 7:00 PM.

Release Courtesy of Salem State Sports Information