EJ Perry is concerned about a win streak, but not the big one, the one that’s fast approaching triple digits.

The Salem High School boys volleyball coach said as his team pushes closer to its 100th straight victory, he focuses on a smaller, but important, goal.

“I don’t want the players to feel pressure as the winning streak continues, but it’s a natural occurrence,” said Perry. “We try to stress to the players that all we want on every given night is a onegame winning streak.”

With straight-set wins against Pinkerton and Souhegan to open the year, the Blue Devils ran their streak to 95 games. If all goes according to plan, Salem reaches the century mark on Thursday, Sept. 17, in its home gym.

Right-side hitter Jason Kinney is one of the players Perry relies on heavily, after he averaged 14 kills per match in 2008 and was named to the All-State first team.

Kinney led the attack against Pinkerton. Salem controlled the net with Dan Tiner and Corey Forrest each spiking nine kills and earning five blocks in front of what Perry called one of the biggest opening-day crowds he has seen; more than 500 fans attended.

The Blue Devils feature a stellar passing attack, led by libero CJ DeMarco, who Perry said is the best passer in the state, and Chris Barnes, who averaged more than 27 assists per match last year. Tiner, DeMarco and Barnes, all seniors, share captaincy.

SHS is loaded with seniors but also features players whom Perry expects to impact the team in their first year. Senior middle hitter Joe Travato and sophomore Jonathan Klecan figure to see significant playing time.

Because of the program’s success – the Blue Devils have never lost – Perry said his team always has a target on its back.

“We don’t overlook anybody,” said Perry. “Fans are not here to congratulate you on win 94, but rather they want to cheer when that streak is broken.”

Salem’s mentor said his goal is to sell out Davis Gymnasium on the night his team shoots for its 100th win against Mascenic. He hopes to create an electric atmosphere. “One hundred wins would be remarkable,” said Perry. “I often ask my players if they have ever won a game of anything 100 straight times. The answer is no.”

Game notes
Against Pinkerton, DeMarco, with nine digs, and classmate Justin O’Brien, with seven, keyed the defense.

Joe Gallant, Jared Scali and Kyle Ruffen all played well, said Perry, rotating at the middle spot.

Facing Souhegan, Tiner delivered 15 kills, Travato added nine, Ari Larson contributed seven, and Scali collected six.

Ruffen and Pat Sheehy paced the team in blocks with six each.

Barnes led the team with 24 assists, while Alex Gomes chipped in nine assists and four aces.

Klecan added a fine all-around game with four assists, four digs, three blocks and five service points.