WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – For the second time in nine days and sixth time in program history, the Salem volleyball will take on Ferrum when the two teams clash in Virginia on Thursday at 7 p.m.
The Panthers (2-6) took a 3-2 lead in the all-time series with Salem with their 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-22) triumph over the Spirits in the home opener on Tuesday, September 7th at Varsity Gym. It marked the first Ferrum win in the series since a September 22, 2017 clash.
Salem (0-4) has not played since September 7th, while Ferrum took part in the Maroon Classic in Salem, Virginia. The Panthers finished 1-3 at the tournament, suffering a series of setbacks to N.C. Wesleyan, Greensboro and Methodist before capping off the event with a 3-0 decision against Mary Baldwin. Ferrum faced Johnson & Wales on Tuesday evening, falling in four sets by scores of 25-17, 16-25, 26-24, 26-24.
All-Time Series (vs. Ferrum)
(Ferrum leads series 3-2)
| Date | Season | Opponent | Result | Score | Set Scores |
| O11 | 2008 | vs. Ferrum ^ | L | 0-3 | 24-26,18-25,21-25 |
| O1 | 2016 | vs. Ferrum $* | L | 1-3 | 25-21,22-25,17-25,17-25 |
| S22 | 2017 | vs. Ferrum $* | W | 3-1 | 23-25,25-14,25-21,25-12 |
| O14 | 2017 | vs. Ferrum ?* | W | 3-0 | 25-9,25-23,25-9 |
| S& | 2021 | vs. Ferrum | L | 0-3 | 17-25, 20-25, 22-25 |
ANALYZING THE SPIRITS: After four matches sophomore Valeria Rosa Lopez leads the way for the Salem offense with 41 kills (3.15 kills/set) while teammate Taylor Alleyne has come on strong in her first year to notch 20 kills (1.54 kills/set). Brianna Moore (44) and Dania Shoaf (32) top the team in assists.
On defense, Lopez has also flexed her muscles to record 80 digs (6.15 digs/set) followed by Macy Nelson, who has recorded 43 digs (3.31 digs/set). Laken Edwards (eight total blocks) and Brooklyn Snow (seven) have anchored the front row attack for the Spirits, who have 15 total blocks on the slate.
SALEM HEAD COACH BARRY RYMER'S THOUGHTS ON THE MATCH: "The team is really looking forward to playing again after being off for about a week. We are working hard in practice and excited to see the results in the upcoming matches. I know this will be a challenging match, but I am excited to see how the team performs."
RECAPPING THE LAST CLASH BETWEEN FERRUM, SALEM: A well-balanced offensive attack by Ferrum, which included four players with at least five kills, allowed the Panthers to edge Salem by scores of 25-17, 25-20, 25-22 in the home opener for the Spirits.
The Panthers, who improved to 1-3 on the slate, were led by the combination of Airiana Beverly (six kills), Sami Kircher (six), Taylor Joyner (five) and M'Kayla McBride (five) on offense. Ferrum's defensive attack was highlighted by Joyner, who finished with 16 digs, and the tandem of Anna Rymer and McBride, who notched three assisted blocks each.
Salem (0-4) was led by the combination of Valeria Rosa Lopez, who emerged with a match-high 17 digs along with eight kills, and Brianna Moore, who handed out 12 assists. Brooklyn Snow was also instrumental for the Spirits with a solid all-around performance that included 10 digs, seven assists, four kills and two assisted blocks.
BREAKING DOWN FERRUM: Ferrum, which has not played a true home match this season, heads into Thursday's clash averaging 9.52 kills/set. The Panthers are led in kills by the duo of Taylor Joyner (81) and Anna Rymer (50), who is the daughter of Salem head coach Barry Rymer. Shelby Waltrip has been the catalyst behind the Panthers' offense with 116 assists to her credit, while teammate Arielle Tritt has 94 assists.
On defense Joyner and Waltrip are separated for the team-lead in digs by one, with Joyner amassing 78 on the campaign. Alex Christoff has also been active with 69 digs. The front row trio of Rymer (20 total blocks), Joyner (16) and M'Kayla McBride (16) have provided Ferrum with a 42-31 advantage in total blocks this season.
