Salem Volleyball bounced back after a tough loss last night to take down Methodist 3-1 at home to bring their home win streak up to 27.
Set one started out strong with kills from Leah Rymer and Ella Brameus, but Methodist had an early answer, going up 8-4 not long after. The Monarch's offense was clicking for most of the set, going up by as much as 17-9.The Spirits were able to bring momentum back in their direction, winning seven of the next nine points and bringing the score within three. Despite a huge kill from Sadie Rich on set point, Methodist was able to secure a set one win with a 25-19 score.
Set two was a set of runs, each team finding long stretches of momentum throughout. The Spirits started out hot, winning seven straight after the Monarchs took the opening point. Ella Rymer found Brameus and Aspen Bradley for five of their seven points. Methodist went on a small run of their own, capitalizing on a few Spirit errors, pulling momentum back in their direction as they went up 18-14. Salem, however, had an answer that was set in motion by Brameus and followed by three straight kills from Bradley. After tying it up at 20-20, the Monarchs were able to secure a 23-22 lead. The Spirits are no strangers to pressure, with Rymer and Bradley connecting twice to bring about their first set point of the matchup. Cool, calm, and collected, Rymer stepped up to the line to deliver an ace to secure set two 25-23 for Salem.
Set three was the most back-and-forth of the contest, until Ariana Noplos and Brameus started to put some celebration between the Spirits and Monarchs. The score stayed within a few until Salem took advantage of some Methodist errors. More errors on both sides made it close again after the Spirits 17-12 lead. The Monarchs were able to bring it within one on set point, but Ellie Scherer slammed one home to give Salem the 2-1 set lead with another 25-23 result.
Set four was dominated by the Spirits, holding the lead for the entirety of the set. Winning eight of the first 10 points, Salem made a statement early that Methodist was unable to answer. With offense fairly evenly spread between Bradley, Noplos, Rich, Scherer, and Brameus, the Spirits found the floor 12 times. The defense was solid as well, never allowing the Monarchs to string together more than three points. The Spirits secured the well-earned win with a 25-16 set four score.
Ella Brameus and Aspen Bradley led in kills, both securing 16. Ariana Noplos also had an impressive night, putting up a Salem Career high of nine kills. Leah Rymer once again led in assists with 45. Madison Bozarth snagged 27 digs, with Olivia Torres not far behind securing 21 and setting a new season high.
The Spirits will next be in action on Saturday October 4th, where they take on Mary Baldwin and Meredith in a Tri-Match.
