Morales Powers Owls Past Salem

SALEM, Mass. — Marena Morales scored five goals and added two assists to lead Westfield State to a 15-4 victory over Salem State in a conference women's lacrosse game Friday night at Alumni Stadium.

Westfield State (8-7, 5-0) controlled the game from the outset, scoring five times in the opening quarter and building a 9-0 halftime lead. Salem State (8-4, 2-3) did not get on the board until midway through the third period.

Morales set the tone early, scoring twice during a dominant first quarter that also featured two goals from Mercedes Rozzi. Westfield capitalized on multiple Salem State penalties, converting several player-up opportunities to surge ahead 5-0 after one.

The Owls continued their run in the second quarter behind Morales and Shea O'Brien, who finished with two goals and three assists. Kayli Bush and Christina Roncarati also scored during the period as Westfield stretched the lead to nine at the break.

Salem State showed signs of life in the third quarter with three straight goals. Laura Young and Aislinn Bennett each scored on free-position attempts, and Kaylee Rich added another to cut the deficit to 10-3. But Westfield responded quickly with back-to-back goals from Rozzi and Arianna Andresen to halt the momentum.

Roncarati finished with three goals for Westfield, including two in the fourth quarter, while Rozzi added three goals and an assist.

Chelsea Martinez scored in the final quarter for Salem State, which was outshot 32-18 and committed 19 turnovers.

Westfield goalkeepers combined for 11 saves, with Izzy Conley stopping six shots in the first half and Lexi Emanuele adding five after the break.

Westfield State will look to remain unbeaten in conference play in its next outing on Tuesday, when the Owls host Worcester State at Alumni Field.