WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem volleyball team closes out the 2021 season this weekend when it heads to Meisenheimer, N.C., for a series of matches against USA South Conference foes Southern Virginia (12 p.m.) and Mary Baldwin (2 p.m.) at Pfeiffer.
The Spirits (0-22, 0-16 USA South) have played in four neutral matches over the course of the season.
STATISTICAL LEADERS FOR THE SPIRITS: Salem heads into its final weekend led statistically by the trio of Valeria Rosa Lopez (258), Brooklyn Snow (174) and Taylor Alleyne (115) in kills. Teammate Brianna Moore, with 416 assists to her credit, has quarterbacked the Spirits' offense to 707 kills (9.18 kills/set) this season.
Lopez has also been a dominating presence on defense for Salem with a team-best 325 digs, resulting in a team-high 12 double-double performances. Macy Nelson is second on the unit with 266, followed by Snow who has 197.
The front row tandem of Laken Edwards and Alleyne have 31 and 28 total blocks, respectively, for Salem.
BREAKING DOWN SOUTHERN VIRGINIA: Southern Virginia comes into the weekend with a 23-4 overall mark and a 14-2 record in league action.
The Trojans have won 12 of 13 matches in the month of October with the lone setback coming to Meredith (3-1) in Staunton, Va. Eight of those victories came in straight set fashion.
Courtney Pinkston, with 360 kills (3.71 kills/set), is one of three Southern Virginia hitters with at least 200 kills on the season. Joining her with this feat are Sydney Hopkin (255) and Breanna Clyde (212), while Elle Warnick has handed out 959 assists.
Emma Steiger is a staple in the back row defense with 491 digs, while the front row trio of Taryn Kartcher (70), Katelyn Chamberlain (55) and Clyde (52) lead the way in total blocks.
LOOKING AT THE FIGHTING SQUIRRELS: Mary Baldwin, 5-23 overall and 1-15 in the USA South, is on an eight-match losing streak since completing a 3-1 victory over Salem on October 9th. All eight setbacks came in straight sets.
The Fighting Squirrels are led on offense by Sydney Clarke (241 kills) and Rachel Christian (240) with teammates Kate Rudolph (423) and Emily Link (252) guiding the way in assists.
Freshman Soleil Rios Rolon has teamed with Christian to lead the team in digs, notching 308 and 218, respectively. Meanwhile, the front row has been anchored by Megan Andrews (21) and Alexis Edmonds (19) in total digs.
