Despite some early-season fluctuations, the Salem girls volleyball team has been steady enough to win.

The Blue Devils earned their second consecutive Division I victory to open the season, posting a straight-set victory over visiting Dover on Friday, Sept. 11.

In taking the opening game, 25-6, the Blue Devils looked like the team that won two state titles in the last three years.

Both remaining games were close during the middle portions before SHS pulled away to take each, 25-15.

“We play up at times and look like the best team in the world, but then we play back down again,” said head coach Dan Young. “We’re just trying to maintain. They have the ability.”

Senior captains Nicole Boucher and Courtney Wright led the charge against Dover, with Boucher notching six kills and Wright contributing five.

Junior setter Sarah Scott led the passing with 14 assists, while senior Alyssa Burnham was next with nine helpers. Young lost a key group of seniors from last year’s semifinalists, including Amanda Saab and Becca Weiss.

“The best way for us to replace them is to not try to replace them,” said Young. “We had a group of seniors that we relied so heavily on. When they didn’t play to their peak, the team didn’t play well. This year we need to all play level, and maybe we have four girls who combined can be better than one Amanda Saab.”

Young said nearly every player on the roster will see time on the floor, and he expects them to contribute when they do.

Jen Bujnowski is a shining early-season example for Young. On the floor for limited action against Dover, she managed two critical blocks.

“Effort-wise, this has been the best senior class I have had,” said Young, who added he expects a steadier performance as the season continues. “It’s been a roller coaster at times since we started.”