SALEM, West Virginia - The Salem women's basketball team began the week with a difficult loss to Elizabeth City State at home, so they were anxious to rebound in their second of three home contests this week. They played host to the Alderson Broaddus Battlers, whom the Tigers already defeated on the road earlier this season. Salem was triumphant again as they routed the Battlers by a score of 71-53.
In the first quarter, it was actually the Battlers who took early control of the game as it took Salem a few possessions to really get their offense in gear. The Tigers found their shots eventually and quickly narrowed the gap on Alderson Broaddus. Back to back buckets from Aina Maynou would push the game over to the Tigers, and they never looked back. Salem controlled the scoreboard with a tight 13-11 scoreline after the first.
In the second, Salem would have their hands full with the Alderson Broaddus offensive attack that rode some hot outside to bring the score back level. However, Salem found some key buckets from Elena Pericic and Liliani Krause who controlled the paint for the Tigers. Salem rode that advantage to a 29-25 lead into the halftime intermission.
In the third, Salem really put their foot on the accelerator as they worked their advantage up to double digits thanks to some well-rounded team play facilitated by Nerea Arambarri Fernandex in her usual point guard role for the Tigers. By the end of the period, Salem would control the game with a 46-33 scoreline.
With the final period, Salem had victory in their crosshairs, and they were determined to keep the Battler's comeback bid from taking shape. One way they did that was finding scoring from some new sources. Jamya Miller hit a key bucket for the Tigers down the stretch off the bench, and the Tigers cruised to a 71-53 victory.
On the stats sheet, the Tigers showed their emphasis on team-oriented basketball as 4 Tigers scored in double digits. Liliani Krause led the way for Salem with a double double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Nerea Arambarri Fernandez was just behind her with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Aina Maynou had a stellar 11 points for Salem off the bench, and Anna Machytkova chipped in 10 points. Elena Pericic found herself just short of a double double with an impressive 15 rebounds and 8 points.
Energized by this big win over a local rival, Salem will be ready to roll in just 2 day's time as the Charleston Golden Eagles are set to make the 2 hour trip up 1-79 to Salem on for a weekend bout on Saturday, December 17th at 2 PM.
