Salem, Mass. – Salem State won their first match of the season at Twohig Gymnasium, defeating the Lesley University Lynx, 3-2 to give Marc Turiano a win in his head coaching debut. Salem State took the first two games, 25-23, and 25-21, before Lesley rallied, winning the next two, including a hard fought 26-24 in game three, and a 25-13 win in game four, to force a fifth set. However, the Vikings prevailed, 15-9 to improve to 1-0 on the year. Lesley slides to 1-2.

Jazmin Santos (Lawrence, MA) and Mackenzie Carpenter (Peabody, MA) led the way for the Vikings. Santos recorded 11 kills and three digs while Carpenter led both teams with a game-high 30 assists, while recording 10 digs. Emily Peay (Lebanon, CT) – eight kills, four service aces – and Kelsey Almeida (Somerset, MA) – eight digs - also played well in the victory.

Danielle Johnson (Waterford, CT) had a strong game for the Lynx dishing out 18 assists to go with her 10 digs while Vanessa Smith (Somersworth, NH) finished with eight kills and a block. Katey Carew (Salem, NH) was second on the team with nine digs. Lesley had a season-high 14 aces, five coming from senior Katrina Stroganoff (Cedar Grove, N.J.) while Johnson had four of her own.

Salem State will head to Curry for a tri-match against the Colonels and Suffolk on Saturday, while Lesley will play Wentworth and Emerson also on Saturday.