October 14, 2008

Winston-Salem, NC-The Salem College volleyball team defeated Johnson C. Smith University in four games on Tuesday night. Salem came back from a five point deficit in the fourth game to secure the win (25-22, 25-15, 25-27, 25-23). Salem's record improves to 8-17, while JCSU drops to 7-13. 

Salem was led by Katie Lineberger (Maiden, NC) who had 11 kills and 4 aces. Christine Tillman (King, NC) came back after suffering an injured ankle to give a fourth game boost. Tillman finished the match with 6 kills, 4 aces, and 2 blocks. Sara Maher (Longmont, CO) led the team with 26 assists, and she also had 1 ace. Khadija Layne (Dorcester, MA) and Stephanee Thibodeaux (Jacksonville, NC) each had 6 kills.

"We are taking steps each match in working more and more as a team," said Head Coach Amanda Ziemba. "When we get an opportunity, we have to take advantage. Johnson C. Smith is a very scrappy team and they are very athletic. We knew coming in that we need to serve tough and hit the ball as much as we could. Our whole team participated in this win today and that is what I like as a coach. Every player knows their role and how they can help the team. I think that is something we lacked last year. We just need to stay focused on being aggressive and scoring points; when we do that we are successful."

Salem returns to action on Friday, October 17 as they host a tri-match with Piedmont Baptist and Toccoa Falls.