INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The Salem University volleyball team picked up its first two wins of the season in commanding fashion with a 3-1 win over Montreat (N.C.) and a 3-0 win over Carlow (Pa.).
With the two wins, Salem improves to 2-11, while Montreat and Carlow fall to 4-7 and 2-3, respectively.
Game One
In the first match of the night, Salem defeated Montreat in four sets (25-9, 12-25, 26-24, 26-24).
The Tigers led Montreat in points (62-52), aces (7-6), blocks (16-7) and assists (38-37), while the Cavaliers edged Salem in digs 77-76.
As a team, the Tigers garnered a .105 hitting percentage, whereas Montreat posted a .013.
In the first set, Salem jumped out of the gates on a 10-1 run off a service ace from junior
Liane Moser. With the score 22-9 in favor of the Tigers, they scored three straight points to take set one 25-9.
Salem fell in the next set 25-21 but finished the match off with two straight set wins for their first victory of the season.
Game Two
In the nightcap, Salem swept Carlow in the first three sets (25-17, 25-20, 27-25).
The Tigers led in every major statistical category including points (54-40), kills (38-32), aces (8-3), blocks (8-5), assists (33-28) and digs (51-47).
Salem finished the match with a .221 hitting percentage, .159 higher than the Tigers season average.
Mathis led the way with 11 digs, one assist and nine kills, while Isaac added in seven kills and a game-high six blocks.
Freshman
Amy Turbak notched a game-high 17 digs, while Pluta generated a match-high 16 assists.
In the first set, Salem and Carlow were tied 14-14 as the Tigers scored six straight to take a 20-14 lead. The Tigers went on to win the set 25-17.
The Tigers are back in action tomorrow as they continue the Wyndham Garden Classic with a match against West Virginia State set for 3:00 p.m.
