Women’s Volleyball falters in fifth set against Salem

PITTSBURGH --- Carlow University women's volleyball lost a tough 3-2 home contest to Salem University Wednesday night.

The loss dropped the Celtics to 5-4 on the season, while the Tigers ended up 3-6.

Alison Humberston led the Celtics with a double-double 16 kills and 12 digs, followed by Rebecca Hess with a double-double 13 kills and 17 digs. Meghan Alexander amassed 29 assists, while Megan Cooper and Javonna Perkins contributed five blocks apiece.

The Celtics led almost the entire first set until the Tigers tied it up, 21-all.

Both teams tied the game several times, but a big block from Cooper put Carlow ahead, 29-28, and an attacking error by the Tigers handed Carlow the 30-28 win.

Carlow led, 11-7, in the second set, but Salem went on a 6-0 run to gain a 13-11 advantage.

Salem maintained its lead, but a kill from Humberston got Carlow to within a point of tying the game. Nakyia Middleton came up with a kill to win the second set, 25-23, for the Tigers.

The Celtics secured a 25-22 comeback victory in the third set. Trailing 20-16, Carlow went on an 8-2 run before Taylor Claypoole ended the set with a kill.

Salem led the entirety of the fourth set to win, 25-18, and force a fifth.

The Celtics jumped out to a 9-5 lead, and it looked like Carlow would put the game away up 14-8.

The Tigers had other plans, however, going on an 8-0 run to win the set, 16-14.

Salem's Valentina Poti had 22 kills to lead the team, followed by Middleton and Noemi Combi with 19 and 10 kills respectively. Middleton added six blocks, and Alayna Cox contributed 20 digs.

The Tigers recorded 14 service aces to Carlow's seven on the night.

The Celtics return to action tomorrow with a 7 p.m. home match against Penn State Shenango.