SALEM, WV- Last night the Tigers returned to their home court after a disappointing weekend road trip. Salem hosted Frostburg State, who had previously beaten the Tigers in their earlier meeting on Frostburg's home turf. The Tigers entered last night's match with a record of 5-16 while the Bobcats came in at 12-12 looking to get above .500.

The Tiger offense came out hot last night in the first set. They made the most of their opposition's errors to maintain a lead in a close matchup throughout. Noemi Combi's arm led them as she continually found the gaps in Frostburg's defense to keep the Tiger momentum going. As the set continued the Bobcats began to surge. They scored the last three points of the set to steal a heartbreaker against Salem 26-24.

Salem looked to carry some of that momentum into set number two after switching sides. Once again the Tiger offense was led by Combi as she scored the first point of the set and was a fixture throughout. McKenzie Clyncke was able to make an impact as well with some booming kills raining down on the Bobcats, but it was Salem's ability to capitalize on the mistakes Frostburg was making that allowed them to take set two 25-18 and tie the match at one set a piece.

In the third set, it seemed Salem's lack of depth due to injury began to show. They were facing a Bobcat team with 19 players compared to their 11 and fatigue started to become a factor. Frostburg scored the first five points of the set and nine of the first ten. They never looked back as they cruised to a 25-9 win in set three to grab a match lead of 2-1.

Salem began to click again in the second half due to the team playing together. While Combi and Clyncke led the charge there were major contributions from Savanna Wood, Clanae Davis, Nakyia Middleton, and Tahnee Gerard. Alayna Cox was the vocal leader on the court at Libero and did a great job helping to direct traffic. The Tiger's teamwork allowed them to take the fourth set 25-21 and tie the match once again.

Unfortunately, the Tigers ran out of steam in the fifth set. Frostburg grabbed an early advantage and in a set to 15 rather than 25 that is all the difference. Salem attempted to mount a comeback, but the lower point ceiling didn't provide them with much time. The Tigers dropped set five 15-7 and lost the match 3-2.

Salem will be on the road in Lock Haven, PA this Thursday to take on the Bald Eagles of Lock Haven University at 4:30 pm.

SALEM STAT LEADERS:

Kills: McKenzie Clyncke (12)

Aces: Kayla Holbrook, Clanae Davis, Alayna Cox (3)

Blocks: Nakyia Middleton (2)

Assists: Trinity Eliasen (17)