Softball Comes Up Short Against Lancers

THE BASICS 

Score: 
GM 1 – Salem State University 0 vs Worcester State 5 (GM 1) 
GM 2 – Salem State University 1 vs. Worcester State 2   (GM 2)

Records: 

Salem State Vikings (13-7) GM 1 
Worcester State Lancers (8-11) GM 1

Salem State Vikings (13-8) GM 2

Worcester State Lancers (9-11) GM 2

 Location: Alumni Field; Salem MA  

Date: Saturday April 4^th, 2026  

THE LEAD 

The Salem State University Vikings dropped a MASCAC doubleheader to the Worcester State Lancers, falling 5–0 in game one before coming up just short in a tightly contested 2–1 game two.

Worcester State used an early run and a four-run third inning to take control of the opener, while the Vikings showed persistence at the plate but were unable to break through. In game two, Salem State battled throughout, holding the Lancers in check outside of a two-run third and cutting the deficit late, but ultimately could not complete the comeback.

HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 1)

In a MASCAC conference softball matchup, the Salem State Vikings dropped a 5–0 decision to the Worcester State Lancers in game one of the doubleheader. 

The Vikings showed persistence at the plate, recording hits and putting runners on base throughout the game, but were unable to find the timely hit to bring runs across. Worcester State got on the board with a run in the first inning and added four more in the third to build their lead.

Salem State continued to compete and apply pressure offensively, but the Lancers' defense held on to keep the Vikings off the scoreboard in game one to secure the 5-0 victory.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 1)

• Samantha Gaona- Sullivan, Abigail LaClair, Giana Johanson, and Paige Souza would all record a hit in the game one against the Lancers in game one. 
• The Vikings would record 4 hits in game one against the Lancers. 

HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 2)

In game two of the doubleheader, the Salem State Vikings battled in a tightly contested matchup but fell just short, 2–1, to the Worcester State Lancers.

Worcester State broke through in the top of the third inning with two runs, but the Vikings' pitching and defense responded well, shutting down the Lancers' offense for the remainder of the game. Salem State kept the pressure on, creating opportunities on the bases and at the plate throughout.

The Vikings broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run to cut the deficit to one and held strong defensively in the top of the seventh to keep it a 2–1 game heading into their final at-bat. Despite continued chances, Salem State was unable to bring the tying run across, as the Lancers held on to complete the sweep.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 2)

• Samantha Gaona- Sullivan led the Vikings in game two, going 2-for-3 at the plate and scoring Salem State's lone run in the 2–1 contest against the Lancers, to collect the only RBI for the Viking's in the game. 
• Giana Johanson and Alanis Toledano would both have one hit in game two against the Lancers. 
• Charlie Benesh would have 4 strikeouts in game two, in seven innings pitched. 

UP NEXT

The Vikings will be back in action on Monday April 6^th, 2026 where they will look to travel to Connecticut to take on the BlueJays of Saint Joseph of Connecticut for a non-conference matchup. Opening pitch is set for 3:00pm.