Softball Dominates at the Plate in Doubleheader Sweep of Falcons
THE BASICS
Score:
GM 1 – Salem State University 11 vs Fitchburg State 0 – 5 innings
GM 2 – Salem State University 16 vs. Fitchburg State 3 - 5 innings
Records:
Salem State Vikings (16-10) GM 1
Fitchburg State Falcons (3-18) GM 1
Salem State Vikings (17-10) GM 2
Fitchburg State Falcons (3-19) GM 2
Location: Fitchburg, MA
Date: Saturday April 11, 2026
THE LEAD
The Salem State Vikings swept a doubleheader against the Fitchburg State Falcons, delivering a pair of commanding performances. The Vikings opened with an 11–0 shutout in game one behind strong pitching and steady offense, then followed it up with an explosive 16–3 win in game two, powered by an 18-hit attack. Fitchburg State showed resilience with a third-inning rally in the nightcap, but Salem State's consistent hitting, solid defense, and composed pitching secured the sweep.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 1)
The Salem State Vikings delivered a dominant all-around performance in game one against the Fitchburg State Falcons, cruising to an 11–0 shutout victory in game one behind a powerful offense, sharp pitching, and flawless defense.
Salem State wasted no time getting on the board, plating two runs in the first inning to set the tone early. The Vikings then broke the game wide open in the second inning, erupting for six runs on a string of timely hits and aggressive baserunning. Their offense stayed consistent throughout the game, adding another run in the fourth and closing things out with two more in the fifth inning to secure the 11-0 win in five innings.
In total, the Vikings tallied 11 hits, showcasing depth and consistency throughout the lineup. But the win wasn't just about offense. In the pitching circle, Salem State was equally impressive, silencing the Falcons' bats and preventing any scoring opportunities. Strong defensive play backed up the pitching effort, as the Vikings remained sharp in the field. The Vikings would secure the 11–0 victory and kept Fitchburg State off the scoreboard, in game one.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 1)
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan , Abigail LaClair , Paige Souza , Ellie Kleinheinz would all tally a double in game one against the Falcons.
- Giana Johanson would hit a triple against the Falcons in game one.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan would lead the Vikings in RBIs in game one tallying 4 RBIs
- Abigail LaClair would tally 3 RBIs in game one against the Falcons
- Giana Johanson would collect an RBI in game one against the Falcons
- Alaina Giuliano , Samantha Gaona- Sullivan , Allison Frost would all have a stolen base in the 11-0 victory over the falcons in game one.
HOW IT HAPPENED (GM 2)
The Salem State Vikings earned a strong 16–3 win in game two over the Fitchburg State Falcons, using a big offensive and defensive performance in game two.
Salem State came out swinging, scoring seven runs in the first inning to jump ahead early. The Vikings continued to produce at the plate, adding six more runs in the third inning and building a 13–0 lead behind a steady stream of hits.
Fitchburg State responded in the bottom of the third, scoring three runs and to make it a 13–3 game heading into the top of the fourth inning.
The Vikings answered with two runs in the fourth and one more in the fifth, finishing with 18 total hits on the day. While Salem State's offense led the way, their pitching and their defense played cleanly to help secure the victory over the Falcons.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS (GM 2)
- Paige Souza would tally two doubles in the 16-3 win in game two against the Falcons.
- Samantha Gaona- Sullivan, and Paige Souza would both lead the Vikings in RBIs with 3 in game two.
- Abby Richardson and Tara Perryman would both have two RBIs in game two against the Falcons.
- Alaina Giuliano, Alanis Toledano , Abigail LaClair, and Allison Frost would all tally one RBI in game two against the Falcons.
- Alaina Giuliano , Giana Johanson , Allison Frost would all have stolen bases in game two against the Falcons.
UP NEXT
The Vikings will be back in action on Tuesday April 14th, where they look to stay on the road as they will head to Bridgewater, MA to take on the Bears of Bridgewater, MA for a MASCAC doubleheader. Opening pitch is set for 3:00pm.