SALEM, West Virginia - The Salem University Tigers opened up the season hosting the Panthers from Claflin University. The Tigers were looking to start the season off on a high note with new head coach, Matt Carpenter, after a disappointing 2022 campaign. Unfortunately the Tigers fell just a little short in a loss to the Panthers (3-0). Although the end result wasn't what the team was looking for, there were signs of serious improvement.

The first set remained close throughout with Salem taking an early 10-4 lead over the Panthers who would soon rally back by going on a 9-3 run evening the set at 13-13. The set remained tightly contested but it was the Panthers who would pull away in the end finishing with a win in set 1 25-22.

Claflin seemed to be in the drivers seat early during the second set, cruising to an 8-2 lead out of the gates. The Tigers were able to stop the bleeding but struggled to close the gap the rest of the set. They continually trailed by 6 to 8 points and Claflin went on to win the second set 25-19.

The final set was the most exciting of the night. The Tigers were looking to stave off the loss and looked like it wasn't going to happen in the early parts of the round. The Panthers jumped out to a commanding 13-7 lead before the Tigers pulled off a 6-0 run to tie the set at 13-13. After that however it seemed like the Tigers had ru out of gas. The Panthers were able to pull away and secure the win with a 25-17 final set ending the match.

Luckily for the Tigers they will have another opportunity to grab a win on the road against Glenville State on September 5th at 6:00 pm.