Women's Basketball Falls to Salem State, 64-43

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Junior guard Norma Waggett (Saugus, Mass.) posted a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the visiting Salem State University women's basketball team to a 64-43 victory over Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) rival Bridgewater State University on Wednesday night at the Tinsley Center.

The Vikings improve to 10-13 on the season and 2-8 in the MASCAC with their second straight win, while the Bears fall to 10-12 overall and 5-4 in conference play.

Salem held the edge in play from start to finish as the Vikings outscored the Bears in each of the four quarters. The visitors got up by as many as 29 points in the final period and cruised to the victory.

Waggett connected on 9 of 19 field goal attempts and four of her 13 boards came off the offensive glass. She also added three assists and a pair of steals.

Junior guard Kate Lipka (Peabody, Mass.) contributed nine points for the Vikings, while sophomore forward Kia Fernandes (Wareham, Mass.) and freshman guard Courtney Paschal (Waltham, Mass.) each checked in with nine points off the bench.

Senior guards Chelsea Saucier (Portland, Maine) and Stephanie DeSantis (Walpole, Mass.), and senior forward Jennie Lindland (Edgartown, Mass.) scored seven points apiece to pace Bridgewater State. Saucier also grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

The Bears were unable to get into any type of shooting rhythm throughout the contest as they connected on just 25% (15-59) of their field goal attempts, including 0-for-20 from three-point range, and finished 13-for-22 (59%) at the free throw line. It marked the first time since 2008 (December 4th vs. Babson) that the Bears did not make a three-pointer.

Salem shot 46% (26-56) from the floor and knocked down 8 of 20 (40%) three-point tries.

The MASCAC schedule continues for both teams on Saturday afternoon at three. The Bears travel to Worcester State University, while the Vikings host Westfield State University.