September 20, 2008

Marietta, OH-The Salem College volleyball team finished in third place at the Pioneer Classic hosted by Marietta this weekend. Salem defeated Ohio Valley (26-24, 15-25, 25-16, 25-23) in the consolation match. Christine Tillman (King, NC) was selected to the all-tournament team. Marietta won the championship game against Ohio Dominican. The weekend also saw Sara Maher (Longmont, CO) break the school record for assists (38) in the consolation match against Ohio Valley. 

Salem lost their first match on Friday against Marietta (11-25, 20-25, 19-25). Ohio Valley beat Salem in the second Friday match (21-25, 21-25, 17-25). On Sunday morning, Salem lost to Ohio Dominican (13-25, 14-25, 10-25). The Spirits would avenge their earlier match against Ohio Valley in the consolation match on Sunday.

Katie Lineberger (Maiden, NC) led the way with 41 kills, while Tillman had 29 and Khadija Layne (Dorcester, MA) had 24 on the weekend. Tillman had the most digs on the weekend with 33 followed by Lineberger with 31 and Layne with 28. Maher led the way with a massive 86 assists and 5 aces.

"We played very competitive teams and at times we played our best volleyball and at other times we played our worst," said Head Coach Amanda Ziemba. "We have to learn how to control the swings of momentum. We are doing a little better each match. I think this weekend really opened our team's eyes to the level of play we are capable of and should be playing all the time. I was very proud of Christine for being selected All-tourney. Katie and Sara had a great weekend as well. I am excited to see where we go from here!"