Salem Stunned on the Road, 68-57

THE BASICS

Salem State, 57 vs. Emerson, 68

Records: 

Salem State University Vikings (4-5) 

Emerson College Lions (8-3)

Location: Boston, Mass. – Brown & Plofker Gym

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 - 7:00 PM

THE LEAD— Despite a dominant third-quarter performance that saw the Vikings erase a halftime deficit to take the lead, the Salem State women’s basketball team was unable to withstand a late push from Emerson, falling 68-57 on Thursday night. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Emerson jumped out to an early advantage in the first quarter behind the hot shooting of Bri Frongillo, who connected on multiple three-pointers. Salem State stayed within striking distance thanks to early jumpers from Amayah McConney (Jr.) and Ernidia Goncalves (Sr.), but the Lions ended the frame with a 23-13 lead.

In the second quarter, the Vikings began to chip away at the lead. McConney and Shakera Fullenwilder (Sr.) found success in the paint, while Sunali Carter (So.) converted a crucial three-point play to tighten the contest. Despite the Vikings' defensive pressure, a late three-pointer by Emerson sent Salem State into the locker room trailing 37-28.

The third quarter belonged entirely to the Vikings, as they outscored the Lions 23-12. Maria Orfanos (Sr.) sparked the run with a three-pointer and a series of drives to the basket. Off the bench, Kylie Schrock (Jr.) provided a major lift, recording a block, a tip-in, and two clutch free throws in the final minute of the period to give Salem State a 51-49 lead heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter proved difficult for the Vikings’ offense, which was held to just six points. Emerson regained the momentum with back-to-back three-pointers from Lions' Frongillo and Dodd. While McConney fought to keep the game close with a late tip-in, the Lions utilized several blocks and successful free-throw shooting in the final minute to secure the victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Maira Orfanos paced the Salem State offense with 14 points and added four rebounds. Amayah McConney also reached double figures, finishing with 13 points and four boards.

Yami Guerrero (Fy.) put together a versatile performance, leading the team in both rebounds (11) and assists (7) while contributing seven points. Ernidia Goncalves was a defensive force for the Vikings, tallying a team-high five steals and two blocks to go along with seven points and seven rebounds.

Kylie Schrock provided significant depth, contributing six points, six rebounds, and two blocks in 21 minutes of action. As a team, the Vikings shot 72.2% from the free-throw line, connecting on 13-of-18 attempts.

Edited By Jack Zenger '25

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25