SALEM, WV- Last night the Tigers hosted the visiting Bobcats from West Virginia Wesleyan for Salem, Senior Spirit night. We took a moment pre-game to honor our seniors who have worked so hard and given so much to this program during their time with us. The Tigers graduating seniors are Clanae Davis, Nakyia Middleton, and Gabriella Chaparro Coss. Entering last nights match the Tigers had a record of 5-18 with the Bobcats coming in at 5-16.

The first set was a great display of two evenly matched teams hungry for a win. It seemed neither team was able to get any separation from the other as the two opponents continued to swap points back and forth with one another. The Tigers scored off a kill from McKenzie Clyncke to extend their lead to three at 15-12 and looked to put the first set away. The Bobcats had other plans. Seemingly out of nowhere Wesleyan pulled off a 6-0 run to take the lead from the Tigers and firmly plant themselves in the drivers seat. The Tigers tried to slow the momentum and get the ball back, but it was not enough as Wesleyan took the first set 25-21.

The second set had many similarities to the first in the early stages. Both teams remained close and continued to swap points with one another. Around the same spot again (14-12 Wesleyan) the Bobcats were able to get things rolling. They ripped off another impressive 8-0 run to establish a ten point lead at 22-12. Wesleyan would claim set two 25-16 and Salem needed to respond.

The trend continued for the Tigers. They were in control for the beginning stages of the third set, but with the injuries this team has sustained they are thin enough. Wesleyan was able to roll in fresh subs with no problem while the Tigers had to be careful about using theirs in the right spots. In the end fatigue got to the Tigers on senior night as the Bobcats took set three 25-16 and headed home victorious.

The Tigers are on the road next as they travel to West Liberty, WV to take on West Liberty University for some Halloween night volleyball at 7pm!

SALEM STAT LEADERS:

Kills: Nakyia Middleton (8)

Aces: Mikaela McEvoy (2)

Blocks: Nakyia Middleton (1)

Assists: Trinity Eliasen (12)