ROME, Ga. – After sparking the Salem defensive efforts with 41 digs (2.93 digs/set), handing out 12 assists and finishing the weekend tied for most service aces (eight), the Spirits' Jolina Bun was named USA South Conference Rookie of the Week on Monday, September 4th.

Bun is the fourth different Salem first year to claim the honor, joining the likes of Taylor Moulton (2016), Maggie Hawks (2017) and Aspen Bradley (2022).

Bun opened her collegiate career with a team-high's in digs (17) and service aces (three) against Southern Virginia on Friday, September 1st. She led the way for a Salem defensive effort that tallied 65 digs and held the Knights to a .110 attack percentage, resulting in the first-ever win against Southern Virginia in program history. In the afternoon session, against Thiel, Bun again came off the bench and tallied two assists, one service ace and one dig.

When Bun and her teammates returned to the court on Saturday, September 2nd, she posted seven digs and two assists in a three-set clash with tournament host Virginia Wesleyan. However, she followed that performance with a 16 digs, five assists and four service aces in a five-set triumph over Bridgewater.

The victory against Bridgewater marks the first time that a Spirits' volleyball team has opened the season with three of four wins in an in-season tournament in program history.

The Spirits return to the Commonwealth of Virginia on Friday afternoon, where they take on Randolph and Roanoke as part of the Roanoke College Tournament. Salem will then face Ferrum and Hollins the following afternoon to complete the two-day, four-match event.