CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. — The Salem University women's volleyball team earned a Friday split at the Connor Convocation Center during opening-day action at the Thomas More Tournament, sweeping Kentucky State 3-0 in the morning match before dropping a competitive 3-0 decision to tournament host Thomas More in the evening finish.
Game 1: Salem 3, Kentucky State 0
The Tigers opened their Friday slate on high gear, putting together a dominant three-set victory over Kentucky State (25-22, 25-18, 25-20). Salem relied on a efficient offensive display, finishing with 36 kills and a .219 team hitting percentage while holding the Thorobreds to a .132 clip.
Brianna Beyerle led the charge with a game-high nine kills without committing a single error on 23 attacks (.391 hitting percentage), adding seven digs and three service aces.
Alexandra Vigneron matched Beyerle's total with nine kills of her own on a .208 clip, while
Hailey Haynes provided efficient depth at the net with six kills on 13 swings (.385).
Setters
Amari Nunez and
Katie Kennedy directed the offense effectively, posting 18 and 11 assists, respectively.
Ana Julia Avila Vian and Kennedy paced the back row with eight digs apiece to seal the morning sweep.
Game 2: Thomas More 3, Salem 0
In the Friday night matchup, Salem went toe-to-toe with tournament host Thomas More in a gritty, high-intensity battle, but ultimately fell in straight sets (25-23, 25-17, 25-21). The opening set saw six lead changes and 10 tie scores before the Saints edged out the late two-point win.
Alexandra Vigneron delivered a standout performance for the Tigers, leading all players on the floor with a match-high 11 kills while hitting .250.
Brianna Beyerle added seven kills and notched a double-double effort by pulling down 12 digs.
Defensively,
Lorin Turkdogan anchored Salem's back row with a match-high 24 digs, while
Lily Irvin led the front-line resistance with five block assists.
Katie Kennedy and
Amari Nunez combined for 23 assists on the evening. Despite Salem putting up 14 block assists as a team, Thomas More's .182 hitting percentage and nine service aces proved to be the difference down the stretch.
