Women's Basketball Upends Salem State, 72-59

BEVERLY, Mass. — The Endicott women's basketball team headed into its 20-day winter break on a high-note, as it defeated Salem State, 72-59, in Saturday afternoon's non-conference clash inside MacDonald Gymnasium.

Aleah Bracey (New Bedford, Mass.) led the way for the Gulls with a team-high 15 points (4-9 FG, 5-5 FT) along with five rebounds, one assist, and one block. 

Ceilagh Harrington (Chelmsford, Mass.) also contributed 14 points (6-7 FG, 2-2 FT) and secured four rebounds (one offensive, three defensive) from off the bench. 

Sofia Mazzotta (Billerica, Mass.) recorded 13 points (2-5 FG, 9-10 FT) while dishing out three assists, five boards, two blocks, and a career-high seven steals.

Mia McGarrity (Ridgefield, Conn.) chipped in 11 points (4-5 FG, 3-4 FT), three rebounds (one offensive, two defensive), three assists, and one block and steal in the victory.

The Blue and Green got off to a slow start, trailing 18–12 with two minutes left in the first period.

Mazzota sparked the Gulls by drawing a foul and connecting on both free throws. A steal by Mazzota and a three-pointer from Bracey later cut the Gulls' deficit to two with 40 seconds remaining in the quarter. Mazzota then drew another foul and cashed in at the line once more to give the Gulls a one-point lead heading into the second period.

The hosts did not slow down, as they outpaced the Vikings 23–9 in the second period. The Blue and Green went on a 7-0 run to open the second, paced by Bracey and Mazzota's efforts. Harrington made her presence immediately known, scoring six of her 14 points in the second period after checking in.

Following the break, the Gulls went on an 11–0 run to start the third quarter. Endicott led by as many as 26 points, taking a firm grasp on the matchup.

In the final quarter, the Vikings cut the Gulls' advantage to 70–57 with 3:13 to play, but Endicott never wavered, and held on for the comfortable 72-59 victory.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Salem State holds a slim 12-11 advantage in the all-time series. 
• The Gulls have won six of the last seven matchups dating back to 1/30/20.
• Harrington's 14 points from off the bench set a career high.
• Mazzotta's seven steals tied a host of Gulls for the eighth most in single-game history.
• Alyssa Garabedian (Cheshire, Mass.) returned to action after missing the last six games due to injury. She tied her career high in steals with three.
• Bracey has recorded back-to-back 15-point games.
• Today's contest marked the first time the Gulls have had four or more double-digit scorers since 11/7/25 vs. Wheaton (W, 80-61).

WHAT'S NEXT

Endicott (6-5) enjoys a lengthy holiday break, and returns to action on Saturday, January 3, 2026 as the Curry Colonels come to MacDonald Gymnasium for a 1 PM Conference of New England (CNE) contest. Salem State (4-6) travels to Lasell on Saturday, January 3rd for a 12 PM game. 

For the latest on Endicott Athletics, follow the Gulls on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

(Photo Credit - Manuel Vasquez '28)