Falcons Upended By Vikings, 69-45

Marazzi and Mitchell net 12 points each for Fitchburg State in MASCAC setback

Salem, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's basketball team dropped a 69-45 decision to the Vikings of Salem State University in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this evening at the Twohig Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 45, Salem State 69

Records: Fitchburg State (5-9, 0-2 MASCAC) | Salem State (6-8, 2-0 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Fitchburg State took an early 6-0 lead on pair of buckets from newcomer Mikaela Mitchell (Millbury, Mass.) and a jumper by sophomore Angelina Marazzi (Manchester, N.H.) before Salem State knotted the score (6-6) after a hoop by sophomore Brianna Rodriquez (Salem, Mass.).

With the score 10-10, the Falcons regained the lead on a layup by freshman Chloe Roberts (Hanson, Mass.), but the Vikings answered back to take a 14-10 margin after one quarter of play on a jumper by sophomore Jess Brown (Stoneham, Mass.).

In the second frame, Salem State extended its advantage (19-12) with five straight points from junior Kia Fernandez (Wareham, Mass.) before the Falcons cut the deficit to 21-18 as junior Kerry Brodbeck (Boston, Mass.) connected on a put back jumper. The Viking responded however, going on a 10-3 stretch with sophomore Gianna Moschella (Peabody, Mass.) starting things off by draining a three ball, en-route to taking a 38-23 edge into the break.

Following intermission, Fitchburg State cut into the lead on layups by Mitchell and Marazzi (45-31), but Salem State closed out frame on a 6-0 run as Brown and senior Saran Kaba (Dorchester, Mass.) sank to two free-throws each to make the score 51-31.

In the fourth quarter, the Green and Gold continued to battle as Marazzi knocked down a jumper and sophomore Allysa Rivera (Chelsea, Mass.) buried a trey to cut the lead to 42-48 before the Viking secured the win with a jumper from senior Norma Waggett (Saugus, Mass.), resulting in the 69-45 final

Inside the Numbers

Fitchburg State shot 19-of-75 (25.3%) from the field and 50.0% (5-for-10) from the charity stripe

Salem State went 25-of-75 (33.3%) overall, while finishing 80.0% (16-for-20) from the free-throw line.

The Falcons were paced by Marazzi with a team-best 12 points and seven rebounds, while Mitchell added a double-double of 12 points and 13 boards.

For the Vikings, Waggett finished with a game-leading 20 points and 13 caroms, while junior Tyra Scott (Methuen, Mass.) chipped in with 14 points and seven rebounds.

Salem State held a narrow 58-53 margin on the boards, while Fitchburg State finished with an 18-16 advantage in bench points

73rd meeting between the two schools on the hardwood with the Falcons 12-61 all-time when taking on the Vikings.

Salem State has won seven of the last nine meetings with Fitchburg State, including a 71-67 decision in the matchup (2/15/17) at the Twohig Gymnasium.

Up Next

Falcons will travel host the Trailblazers of MCLA next Wednesday for MASCAC clash starting at 5:30 P.M. Vikings will travel to Framingham State on Saturday for a conference matchup with a 1:00 P.M. tipoff.