On Saturday in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Salem University volleyball clinched the 2026 USCAA Division I National Championship by sweeping Florida National University in three sets, securing the top spot in the USCAA.
The Tigers finished the year with a 23-12 record, capping an outstanding season by defeating Florida National 25-16, 25-13, 25-23 to secure the national title. Establishing a major lead in the match, Salem relied on a productive offense and solid defense to dominate the first two sets.
Salem hit .208 as a team during the title match, recording 38 kills while limiting Florida National to a .067 hitting percentage and just 28 kills. Pacing the Salem offense, Noemi Combi notched a match-high 12 kills on a .360 hitting percentage alongside two service aces. Alexandra Vigneron was equally impactful, finishing with 11 kills and a .320 hitting percentage.
Disrupting Florida National’s offense, Lily Irvin anchored the defensive effort with six total blocks, all of which were solo blocks. Lorin Turkdogan led Salem with 14 digs, while Brianna Beyerle added 13 digs and six kills. Salem’s setting responsibilities were shared by Amari Nunez and Katie Kennedy, who combined for 29 assists. Nunez finished with 16 assists and a service ace, while Kennedy added 13 assists.
Although Florida National mounted a challenge in the third set to keep the championship match competitive, Salem maintained its composure in the final moments to secure the 25-23 win, wrap up the sweep, and cement the program’s championship status nationwide.
The Tigers also collected individual recognition for their performances throughout the tournament. Brianna Beyerle was named the USCAA Division I Tournament Most Valuable Player. Alongside Beyerle, Katie Kennedy and Noemi Combi were all selected to the All-Tournament Team.
The Tigers’ next match is scheduled for November 12, 2026, against an opponent to be announced.
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