Pala, McBrier combine for Seahawks' fourth shutout on season

FITCHBURG, Mass - The Fitchburg State University women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to the Seahawks of Salve Regina University, in a defensive-led non-conference bout at Elliot Field this evening.

Fitchburg State nearly took the lead with 11:14 remaining in the opening stanza, when freshman Shalee Callahan found senior Nicole Hallett with a lead pass in open field, but Hallett's shot went just wide of the far post on a 1-on-1 scoring opportunity.

Moments later the visiting Seahawks dented the scoreboard as junior defender Leah Siefring connected with freshman midfielder Ella Rath in front of the net on a skillful through ball as Rath converted the run, placing a shot inside the lower right corner of the net for her third goal of the season for the 1-0 margin going into the break.

Following the intermission, Salve Regina looked to double its advantage in the 53rd minute of play when Siefring and senior forward Raine Oesterle put a pair of shots on frame, but Falcon keeper Shelby Gale turned away both shots to keep the score at 1-0.

With seven minutes left in the game, the Falcons threatened as Hallett found Callahan in front of the net off a corner kick. Callahan headed a shot near post, only to have Salve Regina goalkeeper Morgan McBrier corral the shot, resulting in the 1-0 final.

Throughout the contest, Salve Regina held a 10-7 advantage in shots, while also holding a slim 2-1 margin in corner kicks. In goal, Gale stopped six shot for the Falcons in the complete game effort, while sophomore Carly Pala and McBrier made one save each for the Seahawks en-route to the combined shutout.

For Fitchburg State, freshman Britny Peralta and Hallett finished with two shots on target, while Oesterle led the Seahawks with a game-high three shots.

Fitchburg State (3-6-0,1-1-0 MASCAC) returns to action on Saturday as it travels to MASCAC rival Worcester State for a contest starting at 12 p.m. Salve Regina (5-4-1,1-2-0 CCC) will host Eastern Nazarene on Saturday for a 12 p.m. start