MONACA, Pa. – The Salem University women's volleyball team opened its 2026 season in winning fashion on Friday, August 28, earning a pair of victories at the Penn State Beaver Field House. The Tigers earned a 3-1 win over Penn State Shenango in the afternoon before sweeping Cincinnati Clermont 3-0 in the evening match.
Salem 3, Penn State Shenango 1 (25-19, 25-11, 21-25, 25-13)
Salem set the pace early against Penn State Shenango, taking the first two sets comfortably. After dropping the third set, the Tigers responded with a dominant fourth-set performance to secure the match. Alexandra Vigneron led the attack with a match-high 14 kills (.321 hitting percentage), while Sofia Ghadesi Morales and Brianna Beyerle added nine kills each. Setters Katie Kennedy and Amari Nunez combined for 34 assists, and Beyerle anchored the defense with 14 digs. Salem also dominated from the baseline, recording 14 service aces.
Salem 3, Cincinnati Clermont 0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-22)
The Tigers carried their momentum into the nightcap, cruising through the first two sets against Cincinnati Clermont before holding off a late third-set push. Beyerle notched a double-double with 11 kills (.391 hitting percentage) and 10 digs, while Lily Irvin was dominant at the net, hitting .583 with nine kills on 12 errorless attempts. Nunez directed the offense with 26 assists, and the Salem defense forced the Cougars into a -.042 team hitting percentage.
Next up, the Tigers take on Kent State Tuscarawas in the final game of the USCAA opener on August 29th at 3 PM in Monaca, PA.
