PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - With the fall finally coming to the Valley of Learning, the Salem women's volleyball team has been anxiously awaiting the start of their season. They finally made their way back onto the floor tonight on the road against the Carlow Celtics up in the Steel City. 

The first set started off rough for the Tigers as they struggled to get comfortable in front of a road crowd. However, the Tigers settled in and built a rally with some strong play from Katie Kennedy and Noemi Combi. Once they found their offensive groove, Salem took set 1 25-19. 

In set 2, the Tigers had got right back at it, and took early control. Carlow stormed back to bring it level at 10-10. Both teams traded punches from there, but a late Salem surge behind some key service aces from Ana Julia Avila Vian and Amari Nunez sealed set 2 for the Tigers 25-18. 

For the final frame, the Tigers opened up the set with a strong 6-0 run that included 3 consecutive kills from Marika Righi. Carlow battled back in defense of their home floor, but Salem simply overpowered the Celtics offensively the rest of the way to the 25-19 win in set 3 and the overall 3-0 win of the contest. 

Statistically, Salem was led by a dominant 16 kills from Marika Righi and 12 kills from Valetina Poti. Katie Kennedy chipped in 25 assists, and Ana Julia Avila Vian added 19 digs on the night. 

The Tigers will be are back in action this weekend when they take on Penn State Dubois and Kent State Tuscarawas in a tri-match in Dubois, Pennsylvania on September 6th.