Box Score SALEM, Mass. -- Tyler McKelvie and Tyler Reilly tallied nine points each as they led the Owls of Keene State to a 20-13 victory over the Vikings of Salem State Friday night at Alumni Field. The Owls improve their record to 10-4 on the season, and complete a perfect 7-0 record in the Little East Conference for the second consecutive season. The Vikings drop to 7-8 on the year and 2-5 in conference.
The Owls got off to a quick start on offense as Rob Hart and Ryan Hart netted the first two goals of the game in the first six minutes. Ben Melaugh answered for the Vikings after receiving a nifty pass from Alex Pearsons. However, Keene State extended their lead to 4-1 with two more goals coming off the stick of Tyler McKelvie and Ryan Hart. Jacob Scordato netted his first goal of the game at the 3:41 mark off a Melaugh dish to cut the deficit to 4-2. The Owls quick transitions from defense to offense proved too much for Salem State to handle as they added three more goals to put themselves atop 7-2 in the opening minutes of the second quarter. Viking midfielders Sean Quinlan and Scordato kept the Vikings in the game with back-to-back goals to bring them to within three. Despite the scores, Keene State notched three more goals to close out the half up 11-5.
The Owls' attack put the game away early in the second half as they scored seven unanswered goals in building a comfortable 16-5 lead with 8:13 left in the third quarter. During that stretch, McKelvie and Reilly netted two goals apiece while Rob Hart added one goal. Nate Staples got a few open looks at the net, and he took advantage, cutting the Owls edge to 17-8 after scoring two goals.
In the fourth, the Vikings actually outscored Keene State 5-3 but it would not be enough as the Owls commanding lead secured the victory. Andy Rice, Steve Hanley, Staples, and Melaugh contributed with goals in the final quarter to bring the final score to 20-13.
Dylan Florian picked up the win as he stopped 11 Vikings' shots through three quarters. Jack Rogers relieved Florian in the fourth where he made three saves and allowed five goals. Dylan Svenson drew the loss as he saved six shots. Matt Rogers came in for Salem State in the fourth quarter and made one save as he allowed one goal as well.
Keene State holds the number one seed in the upcoming Little East playoffs, while Salem State clinched the sixth seed and will play Plymouth State in a first round matchup. The Owls will host the winner of the No. 4/5 quarterfinal that takes place on Tuesday, April 28.
(Recap courtesy of salemstatevikings.com)
