CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. — The Salem University women's volleyball team concluded action at the Thomas More Tournament on Saturday, bouncing back from a straight-set morning loss against Lake Superior State to edge Central State in a five-set thriller during the afternoon finale at the Connor Convocation Center.
Game 1: Lake Superior State 3, Salem 0
In the Saturday opener, Salem struggled to find its rhythm against a sharp Lake Superior State squad, falling 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-16). The Lakers posted a efficient .252 hitting percentage on the morning and held a 9-5 edge in service aces.
Alexandra Vigneron paced the Salem attack with 10 kills and six digs. Brianna Beyerle added seven kills and matched Lorin Turkdogan for the team lead in back-row defense, as both picked up 10 digs apiece. Setter Katie Kennedy recorded a double-double effort with 13 assists and 12 digs.
Salem put together its best threat in the second set, trading eight lead changes and seven tie scores before Lake Superior State pulled away down the stretch.
Game 2: Salem 3, Central State 2
The Tigers showed resolve in their tournament finale, outlasting Central State 3-2 (25-18, 23-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-6) in a grueling five-set battle.
Alexandra Vigneron put together a stellar performance to lead the offense, hammering down a match-high 19 kills on a .325 hitting percentage. Brianna Beyerle joined her in double figures with 10 kills and eight digs, while Hailey Haynes added six kills on 19 errorless attacks (.316).
Setter Katie Kennedy directed the unit masterfully, recording a 25-assist, 19-dig double-double. Lorin Turkdogan (15 digs) and Ana Julia Avila Vian (12 digs) anchored a relentless defensive back row that racked up 68 total digs to frustrate the Marauders' attack.
After trading sets through the first four frames, Salem dominated the decisive fifth set. The Tigers hit .333 with five kills and forced five Central State errors to roll to a 15-6 victory and claim the tournament-closing win.
