MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - While a 4-0 record seemed foreign just days ago, Salve Regina University field hockey upped its record to a best-ever 5-0 with a 3-1 victory over visiting Vikings of Salem State University in a non-league game at Gaudet Field.

Salem State (0-3) suffered its third straight loss to start the season, all against Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) schools.

The Vikings broke a scoreless tie late in the first half when they were awarded a penalty stroke at 25:57. Senior forward Kelsey Russell (Abington, Mass.) lifted the ball over Murphy McCann's (Westerly, R.I.) right shoulder for the first score. Despite outshooting the visitors 10-4 in the first frame, Salve Regina had nothing to show for it while accumulating 10 penalty corners.

The Seahawks dominated the second 35 minutes. Six and a half minutes into the period, junior Alexisse Clinger (Nantucket, Mass.) found the net with an assist from classmate Julia Grover (Cotuit, Mass.). Less than a minute later, Salve Regina had the lead as Erin Gendreau (Sandwich, Mass.) got the ball by sophomore Viking goalkeeper Carolyn Woodin (Arlington, Mass.).

Grover added an insurance tally in the final minute of play, converting a pass from Lindsey Mazzola (Upton, Mass.). The Seahawks have outscored their 2014 opponents, 23-4, in five games.

The Seahawks close the gap in the series to 6-5, ending a six-game win streak by the Vikings.

Salve Regina opens its CCC schedule on Saturday when it hosts Gordon College (5:30 p.m.) at Gaudet. Salem State begins its Little East Conference (LEC) slate with its third straight road game, traveling to Danbury, Conn., to face Western Connecticut State.