Trailing 0-2 Salem Takes Final 3 sets for Dramatic Win
September 10, 2026
The Salem Lady Tigers dug themselves a hole when they hosted small-school volleyball powerhouse, the Eminence Redwings on Tuesday night. Dropping the first 2 sets, the Lady Tigers battled back, dig by dig, kill by kill, brick by brick… and completed the comeback winning 3 straight sets.
Since High School Volleyball switched to 5 sets in 2020, this marked the first time the program has ever come back from an 0–2 deficit to win the match. Even more exciting, this was their first win over Eminence in approximately three seasons.
That’s another brick.
Creating the Mindset
In the preseason Inside the Huddle episode, Coach Stoner talked about the Brick by Brick mindset and how that would be the theme for the year. Stacking bricks, focusing on the small victories, adding to the pile.
When I asked Coach Stoner, what would be the storyline for this year’s team she focused on the change she expects Blue Tiger Nation to see in the squad. “Wow… that’s Salem Volleyball.”
They definitely brought the “wow” in their exciting come from behind win. Coach Stoner highlighted that this squad has bought into what it means to be a team. There were tough conversations with players about expectations and what is needed for the team. “It’s not about me, but the we,” was the foundation of those conversations.
Coach Stoner said that this team has “the energy, drive, the want and the will.”
That was evident as they locked in and took care of business on Tuesday.
Changing the Momentum
What made this win so special wasn’t just the final score, it was watching this team completely change the momentum of the match.
“After the second set, the girls locked in. They made drastic adjustments, trusted each other, and came back to the court with a completely different level of focus and intensity,” said Stoner.
By the fourth set, we looked like an entirely different team than we did in the first. I’m not sure there was one exact moment when everything clicked, but it did and when it did, these girls took over.
“One of the most exciting parts for me as a coach was seeing our depth make an impact. When we needed players off the bench to step in and execute, they did exactly what we asked. They gave some of our starters the opportunity for a mental reset, and when those starters returned to the court, they were ready to do their jobs. That kind of trust and buy-in is something special.”
Leadership Moments
Sr. Allie Walters had some big plays and more importantly, brought an intensity that was contagious. This did not go unnoticed by Coach Stoner. “Watching her celebrate, encourage, and hype up her teammates showed the kind of leadership that makes a difference beyond the stat sheet.”
Coach Stoner talked about the grit and perseverance that was shown by the team. Facing an 0-2 deficit against a team that they have not beaten in 3 years, it would have been easy to check it in and say it’s not our night.
But that isn’t how you add bricks.
Coach Stoner saw first hand how her team kept a short term memory. “We saw multiple girls make mistakes, respond, and immediately turn around and make their presence known on the court. Every single one of these girls is working their butts off day in and day out, and Tuesday was a great example of what that work can produce.”
Match Leaders
Jr. Emma Schlag 12 Kills
Sr. Allie Walters 3 Blocks
So. Paisley May 9 Aces, 19 Digs, 29 Receptions
Sr. Josie Howard 22 Assists
The Futures
The JV squad had another big win in 2 sets, winning 25-13 and 25-5. The freshmen squad were idle due to numbers but served as a source of energy from the sideline cheering, encouraging, and supporting their teammates. They will get their opportunity tonight as all three teams will travel to Owensville.
Final Thoughts
Coach Stoner wanted to be sure to recognize the student section that showed up and helped bring the energy during their comeback. “They were there for us at every single point, cheering just as loud when things got tough as they did when we were rolling. Their energy made a difference all night.”
Coach Stoner is pleased with where they are as a team and how they are growing as players and people. “This team is learning how to fight, how to respond, and how to believe in each other. And after seeing what they did Tuesday night, I’m even more excited about what the rest of this season has in store.”
Blue Tiger Nation is excited as well to follow this journey.
Brick by Brick.
NEXT UP
September 10th at Owensville (4-2)
Class 3 District 9 Battle. Salem is 1-1 while Owensville is 1-0 in district play
Owensville won 3-0 in their recent non-league test against Belle
No common opponents yet
Class 3 District 9 Standings
School PF PA PPG OPPG W L Winning %
Sullivan 20 1 2.5 0.13 8 0 100.00%
Cuba 15 7 2.14 1 5 2 71.43%
Salem 6 5 2 1.67 2 1 66.67%
Owensville 13 6 2.17 1 4 2 66.67%
St. Clair 9 12 1.29 1.71 3 4 42.86%
St. James 0 6 0 3 0 2 0.00%
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