Another week, another two wins for the Salem boys volleyball team. With back-to-back 3-0 victories against Pinkerton Academy and Souhegan High School, the Blue Devils extended their national-record winning streak to 76 games.

The previous record of 69 consecutive triumphs was due to six years of dominance by Palisades, Calif., before the locals broke it last year.

A tight third game against Pinkerton, said coach EJ Perry, woke his players up for their second match of the season, against Souhegan on Thursday, Sept 4.

In the first game, they demolished the Sabres, 25-3. In fact, Souhegan’s lone points came on missed serves. Salem won games two and three, 25-12 and 25-13, respectively.

Just as important as the dominant performance, said Perry, was the in-game opportunity provided to all 17 players. Brothers Corey and Jesse Forrest, said the coach, both turned in productive games. Corey, a sophomore outside hitter, tallied five kills and two blocks in the final two games of the match. Jesse, a senior right side hitter, recorded four kills and two digs.

The contest also provided playing time for Kyle Ruffen, a junior middle hitter, who notched five kills and three blocks. Senior captain Tim Sullivan, playing defensive specialist in the second game, recorded four digs.

In the third game, he relieved starting setter Chris Barnes, who notched 24 assists. Sullivan responded with 10 helpers of his own.

A day earlier, in their season opener, the Blue Devils took care of rival Pinkerton, 25-21, 25-16 and 29-27.

“Any opening game is a tough matchup, and with a young team it is very stressful, but the kids responded,” said Perry. “They were able to show dominance in the second game of the match when they won 25-16 and had been ahead by 10 points or more three times.”

Perry said the third game, when the Astros took a late 27-26 lead, tested his youngsters’ poise. Dan Tiner and Jason Kinney, specifically, showed their mettle, he said.

Tiner produced two solid kills, and Kinney finished off Pinkerton with a “monster” cross-court kill from the right side. Tiner finished the contest with 14 kills and seven blocks, and Kinney offered 11 kills and five blocks.

Barnes led the team with 26 assists and added five digs, three kills and two blocks.

“He has to play (well) all around, and he never comes off the floor,” said Perry. Meme Okeke, a senior middle hitter, contributed five kills and seven blocks in his first start, while sophomore outside hitter Joe Gallant added five kills and two blocks in his first taste of varsity action. Junior middle hitter Jared Scali and Corey Forrest each recorded three kills and two blocks.

That depth, said Perry, will continue to pay dividends throughout the season. The back row, had a fine showing as well.

Senior captain and defensive specialist Sean Steward made seven digs, and his jump serve produced 12 points. Junior libero CJ DeMarco collected eight digs and six service points. Junior Justin O’Brien and senior Michael Sapochetti, said Perry, also contributed to the victory.