FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Salem College women's volleyball (14-5, 5-3 USA South) fell to Methodist University (8-8, 5-3 USA South) in a five-set battle Wednesday evening at the March F. Riddle Center.
Leah Rymer led Salem with 16 kills, 32 assists, 16 digs and four service aces, while
Ellie Scherer and
Ariana Noplos each added 16 kills.
HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1 (Methodist 25, Salem 23)
Salem opened the match with a 5-0 run before extending its advantage to 10-2 behind consecutive service aces from Noplos. Methodist battled back to even the score at 17-17 before both teams exchanged points late in the set. With Salem leading 22-21, Methodist scored three consecutive points to take a 24-22 advantage before closing the opening set 25-23.
SET 2 (Salem 25, Methodist 18)
The second set featured seven ties before Salem gained momentum with a 6-0 run to take a 17-12 lead. Methodist narrowed the deficit to 18-16, but Salem responded with six consecutive points, highlighted by four kills from Noplos and a service ace from Rymer. Salem closed the set 25-18 to even the match at one set apiece.
SET 3 (Methodist 25, Salem 23)
Methodist jumped ahead 7-3 before Salem worked its way back, tying the set at 18-18. The Monarchs responded to take a 23-19 advantage, but Salem rallied with four consecutive points, including three kills from Rymer, to tie the score at 23-23. Methodist recorded the final two points to claim the set 25-23.
SET 4 (Salem 25, Methodist 16)
Salem opened the fourth set with three consecutive points, including back-to-back service aces from Rymer. Salem maintained control throughout the frame, holding Methodist to a .061 hitting percentage. Salem recorded 13 kills while hitting .300 to secure the 25-16 victory and force a decisive fifth set.
SET 5 (Methodist 18, Salem 16)
The deciding set featured eight ties and three lead changes as both teams battled for the victory. Salem recorded 10 kills in the frame, but Methodist ultimately edged Salem 18-16 to secure the five-set win.
INSIDE THE BOX
- Leah Rymer recorded a triple-double with 16 kills, 32 assists and 16 digs, adding four service aces.
- Ellie Scherer and Ariana Noplos each finished with 16 kills, with Noplos hitting .333 and adding two service aces.
- Jolina Bun dished out 23 assists and collected 10 digs.
- Sadie Lippard led Salem defensively with 14 digs, followed by Rymer with 16, Olivia Torres with 12 and Bun with 10.
UP NEXT
Salem will close the week Saturday, Oct. 10, hosting Mary Baldwin at noon. The match will feature Salem's senior day.
