SALEM, Mass. —Salem State's Kia Fernandes (Wareham, Mass.) recorded seven blocks and tallied 13 points and 12 rebounds and Kaitlyn Byran (Lowell, Mass.) added 16 points to lead the Vikings of Salem State over the Fighting Scots of Gordon College 66-56 Tuesday night at Twohig Gymnasium. Salem State's victory boosts their record to 3-2 while Gordon drops to 3-2.
 
Byran caught fire quickly in the opening minutes of the contest as she helped Salem State to a quick 9-3 lead, scoring seven points, including a three-pointer from the corner. A Sarah Callahan (Pelham, N.H.) jumper just before the end of the first quarter sparked an 8-0 run that carried into the second quarter to give the Vikings a 21-11 lead.
 
Jess Ryan (Milford, N.H.) led the Fighting Scots with five points in the first half including a trey that cut Salem State's lead to 29-21 with just over two and a half minutes remaining in the half before Salem State built a comfortable 33-21 halftime advantage.  
 
Byran led all scorers with 10 first half points and had three steals as Salem State's defense forced 12 Gordon turnovers that they were able to convert into nine points.
 
However, the Fighting Scots reversed roles with Salem State in the third quarter as their defense scored nine points off turnovers, helping to cut the deficit to 45-35 after three quarters. Despite the late efforts, Salem State held the lead consistently for the remainder of the game. A set of Byran free throws separated the Vikings from Gordon by 13 points, their largest lead of the night as the Vikings eventually settled for the 66-56 win.
 
Olivia Stark (Arvada, Colo.) led the Fighting Scots with 12 points while Sydney Pefanis (Cumming, Ga.) contributed with 10 points. Tyra Scott (Methuen, Mass.) added 10 points for the Vikings.
 
Salem State will take the floor again on December 3rd when they host Emmanuel College at 7:00 p.m. Gordon College will host the Golden Bears of Western New England University at 5:30 p.m. on December 2nd.

Release courtesy of Salem State