Box Score
RIO GRANDE, Ohio—The Salem International University (SIU) Tigers volleyball team got 13 kills from senior outside hitter
Rachel Hess to defeat the NAIA University of Rio Grande Red Storm.
After a rough start, giving up nine of the final 10 points to drop the first set, the Tigers regained their composure to defeat the Red Storm in four sets (19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21).
"We started out a little rough, making some errors towards the end [of the first set]," Head Coach
Ashley Ziegle said. "Luckily, we started the second set with a fire under us and kept the momentum going over the next few sets.
"It's huge for us. This is a completely different volleyball team. They're hustling, going for balls and not letting anything drop without putting their body on the floor. I was really proud of their drive and tenacity."
With its second win in a row, the Tigers improve to 2-3 on the season while the Red Storm dropped their fifth consecutive game to fall to 1-9.
After producing just six kills and committing six errors on 28 attacks in the first set, the Tigers strung together a match-high 13 kills in the second set with only three errors on 37 total attacks for a .270 hitting percentage.
The Tigers' defense put together 78 digs, extending rallies and taking advantage of 25 Red Storm attack errors.
Hess was efficient with her 13 kills for a team-high .314 hitting percentage.
Alessandra Marquez also hit .300 with three kills on 10 attacks and no errors.
Jen Foreman contributed 22 digs and
Cassidy Pluta and
Kristn Holt served two aces each. Pluta also contributed a team-high 14 assists.
Aleah Pelphrey led Rio Grande with 13 kills and a .324 hitting percentage. The Red Storm served eight aces, led by Carly Shriver's four.
The Tigers will hit the road to Athens, W. Va. from Sep. 7-9 for five matches while participating in the Concord Classic, hosted by the Concord University Mountain Lions. On Sep. 12, SIU will host Alderson
Broaddus University at 6 p.m. for its first home game this season.
