SALEM— Alycia Rackliffe (Feeding Hills, MA) poured in 24 points and added 16 rebounds as the Rams of Framingham State sailed to an easy 95-59 victory over the Vikings of Salem State Saturday afternoon at Twohig Gymnasium on “Think Pink” day. Rackliffe lifted her team to 6-1 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference while they enhanced their regular season record to 16-3. The defeat put the Vikings down to 0-7 in the MASCAC while they dropped to 8-12 on the year.
Early on, the Vikings struggled with securing the basketball as they piled up 15 turnovers in the first half, which allowed the Rams to cash in for 11 points. Framingham State also struggled in that department keeping the game competitive through the first 20 minutes. Alycia Rackliffe (Feeding Hills, MA) led all scorers with 14 points and 11 rebounds including a layup in transition during a 10-0 Rams’ run that ended the half giving Framingham State a 47-38 edge. Kia Fernades (Wareham, MA) anchored the Vikings with 13 points on an efficient 6-7 shooting from the floor that kept the deficit under double digits. Framingham’s success came in the paint as they outscored Salem State 22-18 while they also added 16 second chance points.
The Rams opened up the second half on a 16-2 run that gave Framingham State a 63-40 lead as Rackliffe collected eight points during that stretch. That long run took the game clock down to the three-minute mark in the third period. During that period, Salem State committed seven turnovers which the Rams converted into seven points that help sustain their double-digit advantage. At that point, the game was out of reach for Salem State as Framingham State’s lead grew as large as 36-points after Quinn O’Connell (Sterling, MA) knocked down a three-pointer. The Rams closed out the game as their bench secured the 95-59 victory.
Sarah Palace (Auburn, MA) contributed heavily to the Rams win as she added 16 points and two assists. Monta Connolly (Lynn, MA) recorded 14 points while Lauren Donahue (Attleboro, MA) and Raegan Mulherin (Baldwinville, MA) combined for 23 points.
Fernades led the way for the Vikings’ in the loss with 21 points while freshmen guard Brianna Rodriguez (Salem, MA) added nine points.
Salem State will resume action on Feb. 1 when they take on the Lancers of Worcester State at 7:30 p.m. The Rams will take the floor again on Feb. 1 at 7:30 against the Bears of Bridgewater State
Coach Stepping Down
SALEM – Salem State Director of Athletics & Recreation, Peggy Carl, announced today that women’s head basketball coach Michelle Cunningham will step down at the conclusion of this year’s basketball season.
“We are sad to see Michelle go. Her enthusiasm for the sport of basketball and her tireless efforts on behalf of her student-athletes will be sorely missed,” added Carl. “Michelle’s knowledge of the game is unparalleled and certainly her mentors have made a big impact on her ability to bring out the very best in her players. In addition to coaching, Michelle also made a positive impact in the lives of many Salem State students in her role as Intramural and Club Sports Coordinator. Her leadership and dedication were appreciated by many. We truly wish her and her young family all the very best.”
Cunningham, who was hired in 2011 after serving as an assistant coach, cited personal reasons for resigning. “I have made the decision to spend more time with my two young daughters and husband. I have many great memories of Salem State and am so thankful for the opportunity I have had over the past six years to coach some amazing individuals both on and off the court. Balancing coaching responsibilities as well as responsibilities in the Gassett Fitness Center, and a young family, I was trying to be my best at everything and I was spreading myself too thin. Salem State will always be a part of me, but it is time to put myself and family first.”
Cunningham has compiled a 56-94 record during her seven years as head coach while also serving as the Intramural and Club Sports Coordinator at Salem State. Cunningham was a two-time captain and earned All-MASCAC honors twice during her career from 2004-08. She finished her with 977 points while playing on two conference championship and three NCAA Regional Tournament teams. As a senior in 2008, she earned the John D. Galaris Scholar-Athlete Award.
A search for her replacement will begin this spring.
