RALEIGH, N.C. – Both Hailey Long and Lauren Bissette recorded nine kills in the match, while Lauren Phillips emerged with 13 digs as Meredith came through with a 25-15, 25-15, 25-19 win at Weatherspoon Gym in USA South volleyball action. Bissette was also responsible for four assisted blocks and three solo blocks in the contest.

Salem (0-18, 0-12 USA South) was led offensively by Valeria Rosa Lopez, who finished with eight kills, while Brooklyn Snow closed with five. Lopez also led the way in digs (10) while Macy Nelson and Brianna Moore ended with seven apiece. The Spirits were led on the front row by the trio of Laken Edwards (five assisted blocks), Brianna Cherry (three) and Snow (three).

After three ties in the first 12 points of the first set, Meredith (17-6, 11-2 USA South) assumed a slim one-point advantage on a kill by Whitney Bolton. Salem capitalized on a kill from Snow, along with miscues by the Avenging Angels, to remain within striking distance at 11-9. Emily Emerson took over in serve, with Meredith leading by three, and helped the Avenging Angels stretch their lead to 16-10. Kills by Moore and Cherry were not enough to deter the Meredith offense, which closed out the 10-point win.

The two teams continued to battle in the second set, reaching a 13-all deadlock after a series of ties. With Hannah Jo Jablonski in serve, Meredith scored five unanswered to move in front 18-13. Lopez broke the momentum for Meredith with a slam for the Spirits, while Snow added a kill down the stretch, but the Avenging Angels completed the 25-15 victory.

Salem grabbed the early momentum in the third set, grabbing a 4-2 lead behind kills from Lopez, before Meredith eventually drew the game even at seven. Four ties in the next 12 points kept the game close, before a slam by Sara Dees countered a kill from Lopez as Meredith established the 14-13 advantage. Meredith pieced together an 8-3 run before a slam by Edwards put Nelson in serve. Meredith capped off the victory with a kill by Bissette.

The Salem volleyball team concludes one of the most grueling stretches of the season with a series of matches against USA South Conference foes William Peace (Oct. 23) and Averett (Oct. 23). Both of those matches—against William Peace and Averett—will take place at Varsity Gym on Saturday, October 23rd.