Salem State Takes First Conference Match 3-2 Over Mass Maritime

BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. -- Trailing 7-4 in the fifth set, Salem State ripped off seven straight points enroute to a 15-11 victory to clinch their five-game set, 3-2 over Mass Maritime on Wednesday evening at Clean Harbors Center. The Vikings pick up their first victory (1-5) and open Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference play 1-0. The Buccaneers slide to 1-5 and 0-1 in the league.

Mass Maritme and Salem State split the first two sets with the Buccaneers winning 25-21 and the Vikings earning a 25-15 victory in set two. Salem State dominated set three, 25-8, taking advantage of a -.259 hitting percentage and eight errors by Mass Maritime. The Vikings scored the final eight points, with seven coming off the serve of Eva Haralabatos, who had three service aces in the set. The Buccaneers took set four, 25-13 to set up a decisive fifth set. Mass Maritime built a 7-4 advantage, but Salem State fought back as two kills by Abigail O'Connor and another by Kayla Sullivan helped the Vikings to a four-point victory.

Presley Shairs led Salem State with 13 kills while Samantha Thoeun added 26 digs. Haralabatos posted a game-high 29 assists, 10 digs and five aces. Marlo Stark and Shayla Narodowg each notched 11 kills fand combined for 21 digs for the Buccaneers. Keira Whalen finished with 28 assists.