By Chris Parker
Excitement is high in the Salem Volleyball program, and for good reason as the Lady Tigers return five starters and three all-conference players from last year’s 11-win team. The 11 wins were the most for the program since Salem won 12 matches in 2012.
“I am very excited about this upcoming season,” Salem head coach Kristen Barnes said. “We have a great group of girls who have worked hard and are eager to get on the floor. They love to be in the gym, and I am excited to watch them be successful this year.”
Things start with senior outside hitter Avery Erway. She earned first-team all-conference honors last year on the strength of leading Salem in kills (252), aces (43), blocks (13), digs (273) and serve receptions (460).
“Avery is a four-year varsity starter who is returning for her senior season,” Barnes said. “Avery is a great leader on and off the court. Avery leads by example and always plays hard for her teammates.”
Fellow senior Malerie Workman returns as an outside hitter and setter. She was No. 2 on the team in both kills (143) and assists (202) in 2021. Workman was named second-team all-conference last year.
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“Malerie is a returning starter for us. Malerie is a very smart and talented player,” Barnes said. “She doubles as a hitter on the front row and a setter on the back row.”
Senior Skyler Klapperich is the final returning all-conference player for Salem. Klapperich was an honorable mention all-conference honoree on the strength of leading Salem in assist with 238. The right side/setter was third on the team in kills with 69.
“Skyler is also a returning starter for us. Skyler is dedicated and determined, and she is a versatile player for us,” Barnes said.
Seniors Kylee Shalbot (libero/defensive specialist) and Cayleigh Moody (setter) round out the returning starters for Salem.
“Kylee is the energy of our team and is always working hard to get better,” Barnes said. “Cayleigh is a smart athlete who has a phenomenal serve.”
Faith Kaminksi (junior middle hitter), Kyleigh Wood (junior setter/defensive specialist), Reagan DuBois (sophomore setter/right side), Leya Russell (junior right side/outside hitter), Aspen Toman (sophomore middle hitter) and Addison Fulton (freshman middle hitter) will all have an impact on the varsity team.
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This year’s team will be an experienced group with a lot of court time together.
“The team has been playing together now for several years and the growth in team chemistry has been amazing to watch,” Barnes said. “The girls work together so well, and I love watching them grow together.”
Salem will travel to Summersville for a jamboree on Aug. 23 with Summersville and Licking before opening the season on Aug. 29 at Winona.
“My overall expectation for the team this year is to be competitive in every match we play, but more importantly, I want the girls to play together and have fun,” Barnes said.
