Vikings Edge Lancers in Home Thriller, 60-59
THE BASICS
Worcester State, 59 vs. Salem State, 60
Records:
Worcester State University Lancers (5-10, 2-2)
Salem State University Vikings (8-8, 4-1)
Location: Salem, Mass. – Twohig Gymnasium
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
THE LEAD - In a game that featured back-and-forth drama and a nail-biting finish, the Salem State women’s basketball team secured a narrow 60-59 victory over the Worcester State Lancers on Wednesday night. Kylie Schrock (Jr.) proved to be the hero in the final minute, sinking two clutch free throws to regain the lead for good, while Ernidia Goncalves (Sr.) anchored the Vikings with a dominant 19-point performance.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Vikings opened the contest with defensive intensity, holding the Lancers to just six points in the first quarter. Destiny Alce (Fy.) got Salem State on the board early with a layup following a steal, and a jump shot from Shakera Fullenwilder (Sr.) helped propel the Vikings to a 16-6 lead by the end of the frame.
The Lancers found their rhythm in the second quarter, narrowing the gap with a 19-12 run. However, the Vikings maintained their composure in the paint, as Goncalves converted three layups during the period to keep Salem State ahead 28-25 at the halftime break.
The second half turned into a tactical battle. Worcester State briefly took the lead in the third quarter, but the Vikings responded with energy. Fullenwilder ignited a late surge with consecutive layups, and Maria Orfanos (Sr.) drained a critical three-pointer in the closing seconds of the period to send Salem State into the final frame leading 46-44.
The fourth quarter was a see-saw affair. After Yami Guerrero (Fy.) converted a layup to put the Vikings up 58-53 with 2:32 remaining, the Lancers rallied with six straight points to take a one-point lead with only 1:39 on the clock. With the game on the line, Schrock was fouled and calmly knocked down two free throws at the 53-second mark to put Salem State up 60-59. The Vikings' defense then stood tall, as Guerrero hauled in a final defensive rebound with 19 seconds left to seal the hard-fought win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Ernidia Goncalves led all Vikings with 19 points and nine rebounds, while also contributing five steals and three assists in a massive 38-minute effort.
Kylie Schrock and Shakera Fullenwilder each provided 10 points off the bench. Schrock was particularly effective at the charity stripe, finishing 6-of-8 from the free-throw line. Maria Orfanos contributed seven points and three steals, including a pivotal long-range bucket.
Yami Guerrero played a vital role in the victory, stuffing the stat sheet with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. As a team, the Vikings capitalized on their opportunities at the line, making 15-of-24 free throws to help edge out the Lancers.
UP NEXT
The Vikings host the Westfield State Owls this Saturday, January 24, at Noon, tipping off to start the first of four Vikings home games this Saturday!
By Jack Zenger '25
Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25