Falcons score 6 unanswered to pull off comeback on Salem State

SALEM, Mass. — The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team staged an impressive fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Salem State, 13–12, in conference action Wednesday evening at Alumni Field.

The Basics

Final Score:Fitchburg 13, Salem 12

Records: Fitchburg (7-7, 2-2 MASCAC) Salem State (8-3, 2-2)

How it Happened

Fitchburg State came out strong in the opening quarter, scoring four of the first five goals. Junior attacker Samantha Azzari (Haverhill, Mass.) netted a pair during the early run, while freshman midfielder Nevaeh Chiacchia (Monson, Mass.) and junior attacker Hannah Azzari (Haverhill, Mass.) also found the back of the net to give the Falcons a 4–3 lead after one.

The second quarter saw Salem State respond, outscoring Fitchburg 4–2 to take a 7–6 lead into halftime. Chiacchia and Hannah Azzari each scored for the Falcons in the period, but Salem capitalized on free-position opportunities to gain the advantage.

The hosts carried that momentum into the third quarter, erupting for five straight goals to build a 12–6 lead with just under four minutes remaining in the frame. Fitchburg halted the run late in the quarter when sophomore midfielder Nola Patty (Ashburnham, Mass.) converted a free-position shot, cutting the deficit to 12–7 heading into the final period.

Facing a five-goal deficit, Fitchburg State delivered a dominant fourth quarter, scoring six unanswered goals to complete the comeback. Samantha Azzari ignited the rally with an unassisted tally, followed by goals from Hannah Azzari and senior midfielder Jessica St. George (Dracut, Mass.). Freshman midfielder Paige Marchand (Rocky Hill, Conn.) added a key goal to bring the Falcons within one before St. George tied the game at 12–12 on a free-position shot.

Moments later, Marchand struck again off an assist from Samantha Azzari, giving Fitchburg its first lead since the opening half with just over two minutes remaining.

Defensively, the Falcons locked down in the final quarter, holding Salem State scoreless over the final 15 minutes. Freshman goalkeeper Alexis Muse (Strafford, N.H.) earned the win in relief, making two crucial saves down the stretch to preserve the victory.

Samantha Azzari and Hannah Azzari led the offense with three goals each, while St. George totaled four points on two goals and two assists. Marchand finished with two goals, and Patty and Chiacchia each added a goal in the win. Fitchburg State improves to 7–7 overall and 2–2 in conference play with the hard-fought road victory.

By the Numbers

• Fitchburg State scored 13 goals on 22 shots, placing 18 attempts on target in the comeback victory.
• Samantha Azzari and Hannah Azzari each recorded hat tricks, while Jessica St. George added four points on two goals and two assists.
• The Falcons controlled key possessions late, finishing with 19 ground balls and nine draw controls.
• Fitchburg also shared the ball effectively with eight assists on 13 goals while forcing 20 turnovers.
• In goal, the Falcons combined for 10 saves, including two from Alexis Muse in a scoreless fourth quarter to earn the win.

Up Next

The Falcons will hit the road on Saturday to take on Bridgewater State at 5 PM. 

Stay Connected

- For the latest on Fitchburg State University Athletics, follow the Falcons via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.