Roanoke, VA - The Hollins volleyball team took to their home court for the final time this season when they played host to Salem College on Tuesday night.  Hollins defeated the Spirits in Winston-Salem earlier this season and looked to complete the sweep in their final home match of 2015. 

The Spirits came to Roanoke and let their hosts know that they were in for a long night by taking the opener, 25-17.  Senior Rikki Martinez (Corpus Christi, TX) took the ball to start the second frame and thanks to a pair of aces, served Hollins to a 3-0 lead.  However, the Spirits won five straight points to take n 8-6 lead of their own.  Salem built the lead to five, 15-10, before a pair of incredible digs by first-year Torri Jolly (Linden, NC) helped to spark a Hollins rally.  Emily Lowther (Woodbridge, VA) continued her hot serving as of late and led Hollins to five straight points to get Hollins back into the match.  With the energy picking up in the gym, Hollins road the momentum to a thrilling, come from behind, 25-23, second set win.

The home team didn't allow their guests to slow them down and after a 12 kill effort, took a two sets to one lead, 25-13.  With Hollins looking to send the home fans home happy, Salem took an early advantage in the fourth game.  Hollins rallied for down six points but couldn't close out the Spirits as Salem forced a fifth, winner take all, set on the back of a 25-22 victory.  With the match in the balance, senior Jordan Persinger (New Castle, VA) registered three kills in the game's first four points to give Hollins a lead that they would never relinquish.  Hollins finished their home schedule with a hard fought, 3-2 victory over Salem.  

First-year outside hitter Deja Hadden (Norfolk, VA) enjoyed the best night of her young career by recording 21 kills while adding two blocks, four digs, an assist, and three of Hollins 12 service aces.  Martinez joined Hadden in double-digits with 11 kills and 11 digs.  Setter Lela Moore (Woodleaf, NC) assisted on 41 of Hollins 53 kills and libero Haley Ortiz (Portsmouth, VA) registered 32 digs.

Mariah Sharon and Kylie Taffer each recorded 17 kills and Brandy Bednorz handed out 42 assists for Salem.

Hollins will wrap up regular season play on Thursday night with a trip to Shenandoah.  The match with the Hornets is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm.