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Vladimery, Jimenez Receive USA South Honors

Vladimery, Jimenez Receive USA South Honors
Posted: Feb 24, 2020

ROME, Ga. – The Salem lacrosse team received its first-ever USA South Player of the Week honors on Monday, Feb. 24, when the duo of Collette Vladimery (Defensive Player of the Week) and Sara Jimenez (Freshman of the Week) were recognized by the league following a 16-15 overtime victory over Randolph College on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Vladimery played an integral role in Salem's second home win in program history, tying Cara James for the team-high in ground balls (seven) while manufacturing a team-best six caused turnovers. Trailing 13-11 midway through the second half, Salem head coach Emma Rose turned to Vladimery on defense, who responded with two ground balls and a caused turnover as the Spirits held Randolph scoreless for an 11:28 stretch.

Vladimery in turn sparked the Spirits' offense, which netted four goals during a 9:37 span, as Salem grabbed the two-goal advantage. The fourth of those goals came off the stick of Vladimery herself, who forged Salem into the lead 15-13 at the 7:51 mark. The Havelock, N.C., native capped off her offensive performance with four goals on five shots on goal, marking the 13th multi-goal performance of her Salem career.

Jimenez, making her collegiate debut, capped off the overtime victory with three goals (four shots on goal), two ground balls and two caused turnovers. Jimenez notched two of her three goals in a seven-goal second half for the Spirits. Her first came at the 27:15 mark, when she drew the Spirits to within two, 11-9, with a man-up strike. Just over five minutes later, the Davie, Fla., native drove a shot past Kate Hodgkiss to pull Salem within one goal of the lead, 12-11.

Jimenez was one of five Spirits with at least two ground balls in the game and was an integral part of the Spirits' defense that forced Randolph into committing 20 turnovers. She was one of six Spirits with at least two caused turnovers.

"I could not have asked for a better performance from either young lady," said Rose. "I am thrilled they were awarded these individual honors after a great team win on Saturday."

Salem returns to the field on Saturday, Feb. 28, when the Spirits head to Bristol, Va., for a clash with Southern Virginia at 6 p.m. For more information on Salem lacrosse check out www.salemspirits.com.