Salem University Athletics

SALEM, West Virginia - With two tough road losses in their rearview mirror, the Salem women's basketball team was eager to return to the friendly confines of T. Edward Davis Gymnasium for a Monday night game against the Elizabeth City State Vikings. While Salem kept it close with the Vikings for the majority of the contest, they would come up short in the end by a score of 58-45. 

In the first quarter, Salem stayed neck and neck with the Vikings as both teams found out quickly that every point in this contest would be hard fought. The Tigers found some early success thanks to some strong play from Elena Pericic, but the Vikings would take control of the game back by the end of the quarter 23-15. 

In the second, it was more of the same as Salem got as close as a 5 point deficit, but the Vikings quickly rallied to take control of the game back. However, by the end of the period, Salem was still well within striking distance going into the half with a 34-27 scoreline on the board. 

In the third, the Tigers needed to get their offense going in order to claw their way back into the game. Unfortunately, they got just the opposite as they were able to muster just 8 points in the period. Tt was still Elizabeth City State on top going into the final frame by a score of 48-35.

In the fourth, it was make it or break it time for the Tigers. Salem made a valiant comeback effort with some key shots from Anna Machytkova and Emerson Wells. Despite the advances, the Vikings would exit T. Edward Davis Gymnasium with a 58-45 win over Salem. 

Despite the results on the final scoreboard, Salem did have some bright spots. As to be expected this season, Nerea Arambarri Fernandez led the Tigers with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals. Anna Machytkova was also in double figures for Salem with 11 points and 6 rebounds. 

Salem women's basketball program will be back in action in just a 3 days as they are slated for the first leg of the first basketball home doubleheader of the season as the Alderson Broaddus Battlers come to Salem for a 5:30 PM tip of Thursday, December 12th.