The Salem girls saw their volleyball season end two hours from home Monday as the Spartans lost to Carroll County in the opening round of the Group 4A, Region 2C playoffs.

The Spartans lost in three sets, 25-22, 25-22 and 25-19. Salem battled to the end but couldn’t prevail over the Cavaliers.

“We played fairly well but came up short,” said coach Russ Danstrom. “All of the coaches, we were very proud of our girls tonight and during the season. We pulled together very well. County was very scrappy and served well.”

Janae Blakeney had 12 kills, nine digs and two aces for Salem. Telia Harris had 10 kills, six digs and a block. Azyah Burnette added two blocks, three digs and a kill while Maddie Hall had four kills, 11 digs and 10 assists. Haley Stefan dished out 18 assists, six digs and two kills, Lindsey Frank had two digs and Kinsey Ebel added an ace.

Four seniors saw their high school volleyball careers come to a close in Hillsville Monday. Tori Clinevell played libero and picked up 15 digs and two kills, Grace Hedge had three aces, two digs and a block and Alex Abbott had a kill, two digs and an assist.  Maddie Bowman is injured but helped coach the setters.

“We used five setters this season which is very unusual,” said Danstrom.

The Spartans finished the season at an even 10-10. Salem had three girls make the second team All-River Ridge District, Blakeney, Harris and Clinevell. Bowman made Honorable Mention despite missing the second half of the season with an injury.

“We have a very strong district, it’s a real honor to make the team,” said Danstrom.

The region tournament continues tonight at the two highest remaing seeds, and the championship is November 7.