FITCHBURG, Mass. – Balanced scoring between Diversi, Caron, Stoddard, and Mitchell led Mariners to a 20-16 non-conference victory over the Fitchburg State Falcons on Wednesday evening.
 
Fitchburg State broke the ice to start the match, before the Mariners went on a 4-0 run sparked by Hazel Stoddard. The Falcons answered with three goals of their own to knot the game at four in the second quarter. The two teams went back-and-forth the rest of the half, with Fitchburg State taking a one-point lead over the Mariners.
 
Aubrey Mitchell started the second half off with a goal for the Mariners, quickly answered by a Falcon goal. Maine Maritime then scored four consecutive goals, two of which were man-up goals, sparked by Rebecca Caron to take a 12-9 lead. Fitchburg State didn't back down, scoring three goals in three minutes to end the third period and knot the game back up at 12 all going into the last 15 minutes of regulation.
 
Lillian Diversi and Caron scored back-to-back man-up goals, answered by two goals from Fitchburg State to start the fourth quarter. From there, it was all Maine Maritime. Stoddard started a 6-0 run for the Mariners to create some separation from the Falcons and cushion the lead. The Falcons scored two goals to end the game, but it was too little too late as the Mariners take a 20-16 victory.
 
The Mariners held a 43-26 advantage in shots and a 25-15 edge in draw controls over the Falcons. Kelsey Melton spent all 60 minutes in net for the Mariners, making eight saves while Caitlin Persson totaled 10 saves for the Falcons.
 
Diversi scored six goals and one assist, Caron dropped in five goals and two assists, Stoddard found the back of the net on four shots and dished out two assists, and Mitchell tallied three goals. Bella Scolaro dished out a game-high four assists.
 
Maine Maritime returns to action on Saturday, March 30 when they host Thomas College in their conference opener at 3:00pm.