The Salem High girls returned from spring break with a shutout win Tuesday. The Spartans beat Patrick Henry, 3-0, at Spartan Field.

Salem held a 1-0 lead at the half. Just before intermission Evyn Magenbauer dropped a corner kick softly in front of the cage and Rachel Massey headed it in for a score. Then, Lily Barnes scored twice in the first 10 minutes of the second half to give Salem some breathing room. Jessica Graham assisted on one and Magenbauer got her second assist of the night on the other.

Katie Evans was in goal for the shutout and needed to make just three saves. It was the fifth shutout in a row for the Spartans, who improved to 6-1 on the season. The Spartans were at Christiansburg Wednesday but results were too late for publication, and Friday they play at James Robinson High in Fairfax.

Robinson is a state power in girls’ soccer and a Group 6A school from the tough Concorde District. Salem lost to Robinson last year, 3-0, before the Spartans went on to play for the Group 4A championship.

“It’s a chance to play a really good team before the playoffs,” said Salem coach Josh Jones. “They’re really good. They probably have 100 girls come out for the team every year.

“It’s also a good opportunity for us to take a long trip, like we might have to do in the post season. We could be playing in northern Virginia and it’s good preparation for us.”

The Spartans will turn around and play Christiansburg again next Tuesday, only this time at home.”