GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Salem soccer team picked up its 10th season opening victory in the program's 12-year NCAA history on Saturday, Aug. 31, when the Spirits downed Bob Jones 2-1 in Greenville, S.C.
The combination of 14 shots (six on goal) and Jordan Tomberlin in net, who tallied one save in the match, allowed Salem to move to 5-2 all-time on the road in season openers. Leading the way in shots was Martha Santos, who finished with four, followed by Madison Green (three), Baylee Greenwood (two), Amy Bounds (two) and Ellie Montes (two).
Defensively, Salem limited Bob Jones to four shots in the contest, all of which came in the second half. The Bruins had four players with one shot each in the match.
"It was a great start to the season," said head coach Octavia Saunders. "We should have won by more, but it was exciting to see the way we are already playing. From the young players to the elders it's starting to click. Now we just have to capitalize more on the chances that we're creating."
Salem netted its first goal of the season at the 13:45 mark when Montes found an open Baylee Greenwood, who found the back of the net. It was one of eight shots by the Spirits in the first half, who headed to the intermission with a 1-0 advantage.
The second goal came at the 58:05 mark after Kim Sephaphathi hit Montes with a pass that provided Salem with the 2-0 advantage. Bob Jones came through with its lone goal with just over ten minutes left in the match as Emma Walker drove a shot past Tomberlin.
The Spirits return to the pitch on Wednesday, Sept. 4, when they head to Guilford for a 7 p.m. clash with the Quakers. For more information on Salem soccer check out www.salemspirits.com.