Box Score
SALEM, W. VA. (Sept. 19, 2017) – The Salem International University (SIU) volleyball team struggled on defense, surrendering 14 aces in losing to the West Liberty University (WLU) Hilltoppers in three sets (13-25, 16-25, 18-25).
The loss drops the Tigers to 2-14 this season; West Liberty improves to 8-6.
Rachel Hess led SIU with an efficient eight kills on 22 attacks with just one error for a .318 hitting percentage, but the Tigers' defense struggled to control the ball all night, managing just 40 digs and 21 assists—setting few opportunities for Hess to attack.
Sophie Freihofer finished with seven kills and tied
Jen Foreman with a team-high eight digs for the Tigers. Olivia Baumhoer led West Liberty with 11 kills on 19 attempts and three errors for a .421 hitting percentage and Kendall Souder had 18 assists with 10 digs and a game-high six aces served. Kailee Cunningham led the game with 19 digs.
The Tigers failed to record double digit kills in each of the first two sets before finishing the third and final set with 11 kills and a .200 hitting percentage.
Salem will travel to New Philadelphia, Ohio for a Sept. 20 game against Kent State University at Tuscarawas, then to Pittsburgh, Pa. for a game against Point Park University on Sept. 22 at 5 p.m.
