Despite missing three key girls in the rotation, the Salem volleyball team had no trouble winning at Pulaski County Tuesday. Salem won in three games, 25-11, 25-16 and 25-22.

Coach Russ Danstrom knew he’d be missing Maddie Bowman and Caroline Hagy, who are out for the season with injuries. However, this week Telia Harris was sick and unable to play on Tuesday.  Harris is arguably Salem’s best front row player and maybe the best player on the team.

“We brought up Kennedy Lafon from the jayvee team to play in the middle, and we got a great all-around team effort from everyone,” said Danstrom. “We had a really good game.”

Janae Blakeney led the team in kills with eight and Grace Hedge stepped up to hammer down seven kills. Three others had five, Alex Abbott, Azyah Burnette and Tori Clinevell, and Lafon had three. Blakeney also led the team with 13 assists, tied with Maddie Hall.

Kinsey Ebel led the defense with 11 digs. Clinevell had 10 Blakeney had seven and Burnette and Lindsey Frank had six each. Tanner Rowe had five digs.

With the win Salem improved to 7-4 overall and the Spartans are hoping to have Harris back tonight when they host Patrick Henry. It will be the first of three straight home matches, as the Spartans host Pulaski on Monday and Cave Spring on Tuesday for “Senior Night.”