September 01, 2009

Winston-Salem, NC- The Salem College volleyball team won their first match of the season in an exciting fashion against Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Salem beat JCSU in five games (24-26, 25-15, 25-9, 22-25, 15-7). Salem improves to 1-0 on the season, while JCSU drops to 0-2.

The Spirits lost the first game in extra points, but were able to handily win the next two games. JCSU came back to win a close fourth set, before Salem finished off the fifth set convincingly.  Sara Maher (Longmont, CO) was pivotal as the setter with 40 assists in the match. Christine Tillman (King, NC) led the team with 16 kills and 3 blocks.

LaTricia Maye (Vestavia Hills, AL) had a strong night with 10 kills and 3 service aces. Khadija Layne (Dorchester, MA) led Salem with 20 digs.

The Spirits also got strong play from several first years who were playing in their first collegiate match. Randi Roppolo (Weeki Wachi, FL) had 7 kills and 3 service aces. Lee Ann Holmes (Wilmington, OH) had 6 kills and two service aces, while Brittany Miller (Hays, NC) had 12 digs.

Mauranda Elliott led JCSU with 12 kills and 18 digs. Salem returns to action this weekend when they head to Raleigh for the 2009 Meredith Matchup.