FAIRMONT, West Virginia - In the second round of three season openers spread across Salem athletics, the Tigers Volleyball program headed up I-79 to take on the Walsh Cavaliers in the Fairmont State Classic, hosted in Fairmont, West Virginia. The first opponent for the Tigers in the weekend's events was the Walsh University Cavaliers. Salem made a strong effort, but the Cavalier would take three straight sets to hand the Tigers their first loss of the season.

In the first set, both teams made some initial strides, but a Walsh rally would push the game clearly into the Cavaliers favor. Despite some strong play from Gabriela Chaparro Coss defensively, Walsh would take the first set 25-7.

The second set was much more closely contested as both teams traded points early on. However, another Walsh rally would push the second set towards the Cavaliers 25-12. 

The final set of the night went much the same as the first. The Tigers scored some much needed points early on, but another long Walsh rally would give them the set and the match 25-7.

However, there were some bright spots for the Tigers as some key newcomers made significant contributions, and will be poised to make improvements as the season goes along.

Luckily for the Tigers, they will have ample opportunity as they will continue their play in the Fairmont State Classic against Slippery Rock University on Friday, August 26th at 1 pm.