Lynchburg Tops Spirits 3-0 in Volleyball Action
The Volleyball Team of Salem College traveled to Lynchburg, Virginia Saturday afternoon to play the Hornets of Lynchburg College (4-7). The action was exciting and the Spirits stayed focused, especially in the second game. In the end, the Spirits fell by a score of 3-0 with games of 30-8, 30-22, and 30-13.
Alexis Means recorded 6 kills while Kelly Moose nailed four. Nikki Healey had four aces. Lynchburg's Carrington Cardwell led the Hornets with 8 service aces.
The Spirits (0-8) will continue in action on Thursday night at home against Emory & Henry College.
North Carolina Wesleyan Tops Spirits
Rocky Mount, NC- The Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan College earned their fourth victory of the season by beating the Salem College Spirits (0-7) by a score of 30-11, 30-14, and 30-10.
Alexis Means (Durham, NC) led the Spirits with 3 kills and 6 digs. Sydney Bens led the Bishops (4-6)with 13 kills along with teammate Poyer who recorded nine service aces.
According to Head Volleyball Coach Nicole Francis, “Casey Jones (Winston-Salem, NC) played really well on the front row. She has really improved since her first day. Shakila Springs (Winston-Salem, NC) and Alexis Means both played great defense. Their serve receive passing really helped out our team tonight. I expect us to improve with every game. The future is bright for the Salem College Spirits.”Salem Falls to Ferrum at Home
Sept. 6 - The Spirits hosted the Panthers of Ferrum College Tuesday night. Ferrum prevailed with a 3-0 victory despite the hard-nose defensive play of the Spirits. According to Head Volleyball Coach Nicole Francis, "We played well overall. Our hustle was much better than the previous game. Kelly Moose played great. She worked really hard, and her attitude was great. I had to switch her to the setting position, and she played great there."
Salem College (0-3) travels to Danville, VA Wednesday evening to play Averett University (5-0).
Spirits Volleyball Shows Vast Improvement To Start Season
Sept. 1,2 - The Spirits traveled to Raleigh Friday afternoon to play in the Peace College Tri-Match. Salem dropped both hard-fought matches to Peace College and Elizabeth City Sate University. According to Head Volleyball Coach Nicole Francis, "The skill level of our players has improved dramatically since pre-season. The team has come together with hard work and dedication. We are dedicated to represent Salem College to the best of our ability. I'm very proud of each and every player. We're improving everyday, and the other teams are taking notice."
On Saturday afternoon, the Spirits hosted Livingstone College. The Blue Bears escaped with a close victory in the final game to win the match 3-0.
The Spirits will host Ferrum College on Tuesday night.
Francis Joins Salem College Athletics Staff
Wingate University Standout Looks To Build Program
Francis received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wingate University in 2006. While at Wingate, Francis played NCAA Division II volleyball four years. As a strong emotional and vocal leader on the court, Francis help lead Wingate to two NCAA national championship appearances during her sophomore and senior years. Leading her team in aces as a freshman and sophomore and becoming one of the best jump servers in the South Atlantic Conference help earn her the co-captain title her final two seasons.
Francis will attend Salem College this fall to earn her masters in teaching special education.