SALEM, MASS. -- Josh Reinstein (Woodland Hills, Calif.) made 27 saves as Worcester State held on to defeat Salem State 2-1 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup on Tuesday evening at Rockett Arena. The Lancers improve to 13-8-1 and 8-6-1 in conference while the Vikings slip to 8-10-4 and 5-8-2 in the MASCAC.
Ryan James (Katy, Texas) put Worcester State on the board first on the power play when his backhander beat Jason Pucciarelli (Newmarket, Ontario) glove-side for a 1-0 Lancers' lead 16:03 into the first. However, Casey Miller (Billerica, Mass.) answered for Salem State with less than a minute remaining in the opening period as his one-timer on a man-advantage tied the game for the Vikings.
Michael Moran (Milford, Mass.) gave Worcester State the lead back 2:52 into the second as his shot slipped under the pad of Pucciarelli with each team having a player in the box.
In the third, both teams garnered scoring opportunities as Khalil East (Los Angeles, Calif.) missed a chance to put Worcester State up 3-1 as his shot rang off the crossbar. With six minutes remaining, Salem State was unable to put a loose puck past Reinstein despite several attempts.
With Pucciarelli pulled, the Vikings had one last rush to tie the game as Cody Slocum (Temacula, Calif.) was sent to the box with less than a minute remaining.
However, the Lancers' defense did not allow Salem State to take advantage, holding off the Vikings' last charge to take a 2-1 victory.
Reinstein made 27 saves, including 13 in the final period while Pucciarelli also stopped 13 shots.
Release Courtesy of Salem State Sports Information