Women’s Ice Hockey Falls To Raiders In MASCAC Semifinals

THE BASICS

Rivier University 4 vs. Salem State University 1

Records: 

Rivier University (16-9-0) 

Salem State Vikings (7-14-2)

Location: Salem, MA

Date: Friday February 27th, 2026 

THE BASICS:
In a semifinal matchup, the Salem State Vikings fell to the Rivier University Raiders, 4–1, ending their season.

Rivier struck first in the opening period, and despite steady pressure from the Vikings, the Vikings was held off the scoreboard. The Raiders added two more goals in the second to take a 3–0 lead before Emily Schneider netted an unassisted goal at 18:20 to make it 3–1. Rivier answered with one more goal to extend the lead to 4–1, and neither team scored in the third period as the Vikings' season ended

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

Rivier struck first, setting the tone early with an opening goal in the first period. Despite giving up the initial goal, the Vikings refused to back down. The Vikings applied steady offensive pressure throughout the remainder of the period, generating chances and keeping the puck in the Raiders' zone, but they were unable to find the back of the net before the intermission.

The Vikings came out strong in the second period, skating with urgency and looking to even the score. However, it was Rivier that capitalized on its opportunities, adding two more goals to extend the lead to 3–0. Salem State continued to battle, and their persistence finally paid off at the 18:20 mark of the second period when Emily Schneider netted an unassisted goal to put the Vikings on the board and cut the deficit to 3–1.

With momentum beginning to shift, the Vikings pushed offensively in an effort to climb back into the game. Ultimately, though, the Raiders answered with one more goal to regain a three-goal advantage at 4–1. The third period saw determined efforts from the Vikings, but neither team would add to the scoreboard.

The 4–1 final marked the end of the Vikings' season, as their hard-fought semifinal run came to a close falling to the Radiers of Rivier Unviersity. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

• Emily Schneider would lead the offense for the Vikings scoring the only goal tonight against the Raiders. 
• This would mark the final game of the season for the Vikings. 

 UP NEXT: 

The Vikings look to return back to action next year