Women's Basketball held in check in 56-38 loss to Vikings
Salem, MA- The Salem State women's basketball team clamped down on visiting MCLA as the Vikings earned their first conference win of the season with a 56-38 victory over the Trailblazers. Salem improves to 3-15 overall, but is now 1-5 in the conference.
MCLA drops their sixth straight game as they fall to 4-12. They are 0-5 in the MASCAC and will host Framingham State on Thursday night.
The Vikings took control early on the heels of their defense. They held the visitors to just 7 first quarter points to jump ahead 13-7. They would own a 26-17 lead at halftime as they held the Trailblazers to just 18% shooting in the opening half and forced ten turnovers.
Salem State extended their lead in the third quarter to double digits and would take a commanding 41-28 lead into the home fourth. From there, the Vikings offense clicked as they quickly extended to a twenty point advantage before settling on the final score.
Tyra Scott led the Vikings with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Natalie Mellinger added 11 points off the bench for Salem State. The Vikings only shot 34% in the win and overcame 19 turnovers.
MCLA was paced by Hannah Mazzeo's 11 point night off the bench. No other Trailblazers were in double figures. The Trailblazers shot just 20% from the floor and committed 18 turnovers in the loss.