WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem volleyball team heads to neighboring Greensboro for its third USA South Conference tri-match of the season on Saturday when it takes on N.C. Wesleyan and the host Pride beginning at 2 p.m. in Hanes Gym.
Salem (11-10, 7-5 USA South) goes in search of its fifth win of the month as it looks to snap a two-match losing streak that includes setbacks to William Peace (3-0) and Averett (3-2). The match marks the second meeting of the season with both squads and first since Salem downed N.C. Wesleyan (3-1) and Greensboro (3-0) in a tri-match at Rocky Mount, N.C., on Saturday, Oct. 5.
The Spirits, who enter the weekend fourth in the USA South East Division standings have posted 497 kills (11.83 kills / set), 460 assists (10.95 assists / set), 680 digs (16.19 digs / set) and 69 total blocks (19 solo) in league action this season. Conversely, Salem has posted 843 kills (11.24 kills / set), 790 assists (10.53 assists / set), 1,214 digs (16.19 digs / set) and made 116 total blocks (32 solo) throughout the course of the regular season.
Four Salem hitters have topped the 100-kill plateau this season, including Kathryn O'Connell (197), Taylor Moulton (175), Brooklyn Snow (151) and Madelyn Chappell (131). Teammate Anna Schneider needs just 10 more kills to join that quartet, which has seen great success this season due in large part to a team-best 654 assists by Hannah Delcamp.
Defensively, the Spirits are led by the combination of Moulton (231 digs) and O'Connell (65 total blocks). Moulton is one of six players with at least 100 digs, with O'Connell responsible for 223. O'Connell has her own complement in the front row, Schneider, who has come through with 38 total blocks, including 29 assisted blocks.
Greensboro (14-12, 6-5 USA South) is currently fifth in the USA South East Division standings. The Pride are led individually by the combination of Hailey Stout (208 kills) and Dixie Fulk (529 assists) on offense. Meanwhile, the tandem of Carly Uhlir (278 digs) and Sarah Oakes (61 total blocks) have anchored The Pride's defensive unit.
N.C. Wesleyan, which is ranked sixth in the USA South East Division, is 9-17 overall and 4-8 in league action. The Battling Bishops have dropped their last four matches and will play Piedmont International on Friday evening. Sydney Barnwell, with 271 kills (2.66 kills / set) to her credit, and Haileigh Riesenbeck (546 assists) lead the way for the N.C. Wesleyan offense. The defense is highlighted by Lauren Weaver (75 total blocks) as well as Sam Butensky (435 digs) and Callie Cline (384 digs).
For more information on Salem volleyball check out www.salemspirits.com.
