Women's Soccer Plays Salem to 0-0 Double Overtime Draw

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Bridgewater State and visiting Salem State played to double overtime scoreless draw in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) women's soccer action on Saturday afternoon at Swenson Field.

The host Bears see their record go to 5-5-2 on the season and 1-1-1 in the MASCAC.  The Vikings are now 5-3-1 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play.

Bridgewater held the edge in play in the first half and also had the best scoring opportunities.  In the 23rd minute, BSU junior forward Erica Jonasson (Wrentham, Mass.) hit the post on a breakaway.  The Bears had another glorious chance in the 36th minute as junior forward Caley McClendon (Keene, N.H.) had a semi-breakaway coming down the left side, but her shot hit the outside of the net.

With time winding under 30 seconds in the opening stanza, BSU senior defender Melanie Thomson (Abington, Mass.) ripped a direct kick that was labeled for just under the crossbar.  Salem freshman keeper Rachel Ledbetter (Dracut, Mass.) made a leaping stop and deflected the shot off the crossbar.  The ball fell to the foot of McClendon who was all alone in front of the net, but Ledbetter again came up with a terrific save to keep the game scoreless heading into the intermission.

Salem had a chance to win the game with just over two minutes remaining in regulation, but freshman forward Kelly Birchmore (Swampscott, Mass.) chipped the ball over the crossbar after she was set up all alone in front of the net off a cross.  A minute prior to Birchmore's scoring chance, sophomore midfielder Sara Previte (Beverly, Mass.) had the BSU goalkeeper beaten from about ten yards out but was unable to get much on the shot.  The Bridgewater defense was able to clear the ball away well before the scoring attempt came near the goal line.

The Vikings had the clear edge in play in the second half as well as the two overtime periods.  Salem outshot Bridgewater 13-4 over the final 65 minutes with seven of their 13 shots being on frame.

BSU junior netminder Kerry Condon (Whitman, Mass.) came in to start the second half and played the rest of the way turning aside seven shots.  She made three saves in overtime including a diving stop of an Amy Griffith (Middleton, Mass.) shot in the first overtime session.  Senior Kristen Rowe (Burlington, Mass.) started the game and made just one save in one half of action.

Ledbetter recorded four saves for the Vikings with three coming in regulation and one in overtime.

Salem held a 17-9 shot advantage for the game, while corner kicks were even at six apiece.

Both teams are back in action on Tuesday evening.  Bridgewater hosts UMass Dartmouth at seven, while Salem entertains Plymouth State University at six.