The Lady Vikings (22-3), winners of 14 straight games, jumped out to a 30-25 halftime lead by virtue of sophomore center Estrella Kuilan's nine points and freshman guard Jen Tamilio's seven. SSC, who has captured 13 of the previous 14 MASCAC playoff crowns, will try to advance to the NCAA Division 3 tournament for a national record 21st time when it plays for the automatic bid Saturday against No. 2 seed Westfield State, a 57-54 winner over Worcester State.
SSC junior guard Gillian Almeida led all scorers with 19, including 13 in the second half. Almeida also grabbed five rebounds, dished out four assists and collected a block. Other Lady Vikings who posted double-digit scoring figures included Tamilio (15), Kuilan (14) and freshman forward Meghan DePatsy (10). Freshman forward Ashley Morgado led all rebounders with 11 while Tamilio, Kuilan and senior guard Sarah McCarthy contributed seven boards each. Kuilan also blocked four shots.
FSC (15-10) received a pair of double doubles (points and rebounds) from senior center Meredith Cipriani and junior forward Jenn Kirkland, who posted totals of 14-10 and 11-10, respectively. Sophomore guard Katie Redican led all FSC scorers with 16. Salem iced the game by hitting 14 of 18 second half free throws after going one for nine from the stripe in the opening 20 minutes.
SSC improved its 15-year MASCAC postseason conference record to 29-1. FSC, who was making a semifinal round appearance for the first time since 1993, is now 3-14 in MASCAC tournament play since the league playoffs began in 1990.