Shrock and Goncalves Shine, but Vikings fall to AMCATS, 71-59

THE BASICS

Salem State, 59 vs. Anna Maria, 71

Records: 

Salem State University Vikings (9-10, 5-3)

Anna Maria College AMCATS (6-11, 2-5) 

Location: Paxton, Mass. – Fuller Activities Center

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026 

THE LEAD - Despite holding a halftime lead and a dominant double double performance from Ernidia Goncalves (Sr.), the Salem State women's basketball team was unable to withstand a 51 point second half outburst from Anna Maria, falling 71-59 on Saturday evening. Kylie Schrock (Jr.) led the Vikings' offense with a game high 22 points, while the team finished with a perfect 100% mark from the free throw line.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Vikings established an early rhythm in the first quarter, jumping out to a 6-0 lead behind a pair of buckets from Kylie Schrock and a layup from Ernidia Goncalves. After the AMCATS tightened the score, Destiny Alce (Fy.) drained a critical three pointer to help Salem State maintain a 15-11 advantage at the end of the opening frame. The second quarter proved to be a defensive grind for both squads, but Schrock and Maria Orfanos (Sr.) provided just enough offense with late layups to send the Vikings into the locker room leading 24-20.

Salem State appeared to be in control early in the third quarter, extending their lead to 34-26 following an Orfanos three point play. However, Anna Maria ignited a furious comeback, utilizing several shots from beyond the arc and capitalized on Vikings' turnovers to take their first lead of the half. Trailing by five entering the final period, Salem State fought to stay within striking distance as Schrock and Lamia Ashley (Sr.) battled for scores in the paint. Ultimately, the AMCATS' hot shooting, including 10 total three pointers, proved too much to overcome as they pulled away in the final minutes.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Kylie Schrock was a force for the Vikings, tallying 22 points, six rebounds, and four steals while going a perfect 8 for 8 from the foul line. Ernidia Goncalves recorded an impressive double-double, finishing with 14 points, a team-high 11 rebounds, and five steals in 35 minutes of action.

Maria Orfanos contributed nine points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Destiny Alce added five points and four boards off the bench. In a remarkable statistical feat, the Vikings did not miss a single free throw, finishing the game 17 of 17 from the line.

Salem State also won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the AMCATS 42-35, and forced 23 turnovers through 17 steals. However, the Vikings were hindered by 25 turnovers of their own and a difficult night from long range, shooting just 22.2% from three-point territory.

UP NEXT

The Vikings return to their home court to host Bridgewater State Bears on Wednesday, February 4, tipping off the first game of Salem State Basketball's doubleheader at 5 p.m.

By Jack Zenger '25

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25