WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY GETS REVENGE IN SHOOTOUT WIN AGAINST AMCATS

THE BASICS

Anna Maria College 1 vs. Salem State University 1 (W By SO)

Records: 

Anna Maria AMCATS (4-12-2) 

Salem State Vikings (5-10-2)

Location: Salem, MA

Date: Saturday January 31^st, 2026

THE BASICS:
The Salem State Vikings earned a hard-fought shootout victory over the AMCATS after a tightly played contest ended tied through regulation and overtime. Salem State opened the scoring in the first period when Emily Schneider found the back of the net, giving the Vikings an early 1–0 advantage. The Vikings generated consistent offensive pressure in both the first and second periods but were unable to add to their lead. Backed by strong goaltending from Delaney Cox, Salem State kept the AMCATS off the scoreboard through two periods, as neither team scored in the second frame. The AMCATS evened the score at 10:20 of the third period, setting up a back-and-forth finish highlighted by strong defensive play and clutch saves from both goaltenders. Regulation and overtime ended with the score locked at 1–1 before the game moved to a shootout, where the Vikings prevailed as Isabelle Besser scored the decisive goal to secure the win.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

The Salem State Vikings opened the scoring early and delivered a resilient performance to earn a shootout victory over the AMCATS in a tightly contested matchup. The Vikings struck first in the opening period when Emily Schneider found the back of the net, assisted by Isabelle Besser and Alexa Robertson, giving Salem State a 1–0 lead.

Salem State carried that momentum through the remainder of the first period, generating multiple offensive opportunities and maintaining steady pressure. The Vikings continued to create chances in the second period as well, but were unable to add to their lead. Defensively, Salem State remained composed, backed by strong goaltending from Delaney Cox, who kept the AMCATS off the scoreboard through two periods. No goals were scored in the middle frame as both teams tightened up defensively.

The AMCATS broke through at the 10:20 mark of the third period, scoring the equalizer to tie the game at 1–1. From there, the contest turned into a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading quality scoring chances. Strong defensive play and clutch saves by both goaltenders prevented either side from gaining an edge, and regulation ended with the score still tied. 

Overtime featured continued chances at both ends, including opportunities for the Vikings, but neither team could convert. The game ultimately headed to a shootout, where both goaltenders stood tall through multiple rounds. In the decisive moment, Isabelle Besser buried the game-winning attempt to secure the shootout victory for Salem State over the AMCATS.

 INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

• Delaney Cox would have 27 saves on 28 shots against the AMCATS of Anna Maria College. 
• Emily Schneider would score the goal for the Vikings in regulation against the AMCATS, while Isabelle Besser and Alexa Robertson would both tally an assist for the Vikings. 
• Isabelle Besser would score the shootout winner for the Vikings against the AMCATS 
• The Vikings would outshoot the AMCATS in the game 32 to 28. 

UP NEXT: 

The Vikings are back in action on Friday February 6^th, 2026, where they will return home to host the Raiders of Rivier University for a MASCAC conference matchup. Puck drop is set to start at 6:00pm.