Danville, VA- Salem College volleyball began its season at the Averett Invitational this weekend with four tough matches. The weekend was highlighted by first year, Sara Maher from Longmont, CO, making the All-Invitational team.

The team started off the invitational losing to Greensboro College on Saturday in three sets by the scores 16-25, 13-25, 20-25. The Spirits faced off against Huntingdon College in Saturday’s nightcap, losing the match 15-25, 23-25, 22-25.

In the morning match on Sunday, Salem fell to Maryville College of Tennessee in three sets. The final score of the match was 14-25, 10-25, 12-25. The Spirits won their first set of the weekend in their Sunday afternoon match against Averett. The Spirits lost the match 14-25, 12-25, 25-20, 11-25.

Christine Tillman led the team with 44 kills and 16 blocks. Stephanee Thibodeaux led the team in digs with 44. Maher led the team in assists with 36. Katie Lineberger led the team on the weekend with 3 aces.

Coach Amanda Ziemba said "We were playing very strong programs this weekend and we as a team were forced to grow up. As the tournament went on, we grew more confident and started doing the little things right to help us be more successful. I am proud of the team for not giving up and working through some tough games. I think these types of lessons learned will continue to help us through this season. Each player on this team contributed this weekend and I am happy to say I was pleasantly surprised with some of our play."