Gates' Five Triples Leads Vikings to First Victory

CHICOPEE, Mass. – Salem State women's basketball secured their first win of the season in dominant fashion, defeating Elms College 74-51 to improve their record to 1-4.

Kylie Gates (Pembroke, Mass.) led the Vikings with 21 points (5-6 from three-point range), six assists, six steals, and three rebounds, while Liz Zaiter (Peabody, Mass.) contributed 14 points and nine rebounds in the victory.

On the other side, Piper Graham (Lancaster, Pa.) recorded 13 points while Rahmia Johnston (Newtown. Conn.) chipped in with 11 points in the effort.

How it Happened:

• The Blazers' early five-point lead was erased by a 10-0 run from the Vikings, highlighted by back-to-back threes from Gates, giving the Vikings a 10-5 lead midway through the opening stanza. Salem would hold onto the lead to close the opening stanza ahead, 12-8.
• The Vikings maintained control throughout the second half, and a layup by Nicolette D'Itria in the closing seconds extended their lead to 29-21, marking their largest advantage of the game as they headed into the break.
• The Blazers kept the game within eight points multiple times throughout the third quarter, but an 8-2 run by the Vikings to close the frame gave them a 51-34 lead heading into the final 10 minutes of play.
• Eight Vikings would contribute to their 23-point quarter to lead them to the 74-51 victory over the Blazers.

Inside the Numbers:

• Kylie Gates netted a career-high five three-pointers in the victory.
• All 17 Vikings saw action in tonight's victory, with Morgan Reynolds (Medford, Mass.) and Marissa Boccelli (Stoneham, Mass.) making their first appearances in their young careers. Reynolds also recorded her first collegiate point.
• Liz Zaiter recorded a season-high 14 points tonight.

Up Next:

The Vikings have the weekend off before returning home on Tuesday, November 26^th to host the Gordon College Fighting Scots for their annual pre-Thanksgiving showdown at 5 p.m.