WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem volleyball team returns home on Wednesday, Oct. 16, to square off against Methodist in a key USA South Conference between the two programs at Varsity Gym.
The Spirits (9-8, 5-3 USA South) are 4-1 at home this season and have won three straight home matches against the likes of Piedmont International (Sept. 17), Mary Baldwin (Sept. 28) and William Peace (Sept. 28). The clash with Methodist is the second of the season, with Salem winning the previous match 3-1 in Fayetteville, N.C.
Salem, which enters the match third in the USA South East Division standings, has combined for 971 digs (15.92 digs / set), 665 kills (10.90 kills / set) and 92 total blocks (1.51 blocks per set) in 17 matches this season. The Spirits have recorded 437 digs (15.61 digs / set), 319 kills (11.39 kills / set) and 45 total blocks (1.61 blocks / set) against eight conference opponents.
The trio of Kathryn O'Connell (165), Taylor Moulton (142) and Brooklyn Snow (123) lead the way in kills, while Hannah Delcamp has handed out 517 assists (8.48 assists / set) for a Salem lineup that has a combined .147 attack percentage.
Defensively, the combination of O'Connell (179 digs), Moulton (178), Delcamp (145) and Valeria Rosa Lopez (145) have sparked the play of the back row. O'Connell's defensive prowess has also resulted in 51 total blocks (14 solo blocks), while Anna Schneider has recorded 33 total blocks (nine solo blocks).
Methodist enters Wednesday's match with a 3-13 mark that includes a 2-6 record in USA South action. The Monarchs have dropped four of five this month, including a pair of setbacks to Greensboro (3-0) and William Peace (3-1) on Saturday, Oct. 12.
Megan Andrews leads the way on offense for Methodist with a team-high 157 kills (2.85 kills / set), while making her presence felt on defense with 149 digs (2.71 digs / set). Teammate Lili Henry has dished out a total of 285 assists.
Teammates Alyssa Wrench and Kendall Craig share the lead in total blocks with 15.
For more information on Salem volleyball check out www.salemspirits.com.
