Salem University Athletics

SOUTH EUCLID, OH- The Tigers took a road trip to Ohio tonight to square off against the Falcons of Notre Dame College. Salem entered tonight's match with a record of 5-11 with the Falcons coming in at 3-10.

Salem was able to jump out to an early lead over the Falcons. They started hot with a 10-1 run to establish a big lead at 15-8. Notre Dame answered back with a run of their own, scoring eight of the next ten points including six straight at one point to cut the deficit to one at 17-16. The home-court advantage seemed to take the Falcons over the top, as they defeated the Tigers in a tightly fought close set 27-25.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, it seemed Notre Dame had managed to carry their momentum into the second set. They opened up strong, establishing an early lead at 11-6. Notre Dame continued to pour it on in an attempt to put Salem away, and at one point their lead ballooned to seven. Salem then dug in and refused to lose. Down 11-18, the Tigers went on a dominant 14-5 run to stun the Falcons and take the set 25-23.

Once again Salem surrendered an early lead to the Falcons, allowing them to get up 13-6. Salem looked to perform another come-from-behind victory, but they had spent their energy already in the second set. The Tigers began to close the gap, but it was too little too late as the Falcons claimed set three 25-17.

The fourth set began and it was the Tigers this time who took the early advantage at 4-0. However, this did not last as Notre Dame responded with a 7-2 run to take the lead from the Tigers. The Falcons continued to apply pressure on the Tigers with their offense as the set continued. Salem looked at a six-point deficit with the set coming to a close down 16-10. Once again like they have done so many times this season the Tigers began to rally. Salem was able to cut the Falcon lead down to three after a run of their own bringing the score to 19-16. That was where the magic ended, unfortunately. Notre Dame scored four in a row to kill Salem's momentum and eventually take the fourth set 25-19 and the match 3-1.

The Tigers will be back in action on Friday, October 13th against Concord University at Salem University.

SALEM STAT LEADERS:

Kills: Nakyia Middleton (11)

Aces: McKenzie Clyncke (4)

Blocks: Nakyia Middleton (5)

Assists: McKenzie Clyncke (32)