Phoenix Stalled by Patriots

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - The Wilson College men's volleyball team squared off against the visiting Patriots of the University of Valley Forge in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) play, earlier this evening. The Phoenix (1-5, 0-2 CSAC) fought valiantly but were defeated by the Patriots (1-4, 1-0 CSAC) three sets to one (30-32, 19-25, 27-25, 26-28).

How It Happened: The Patriots started the first set on a 5-2 run before the Phoenix rallied back and tied things seven points apiece. The two teams battled throughout the first set with neither one being able to secure a solid lead. Later on in the set, with Wilson trailing 20-24, the Phoenix started a five-point run that pushed them out in front, 25-24. Both teams continued to duel until Valley Forge closed out the set on a three-point run. Giving the Patriots the set, 32-30.

In the second set, Valley Forge jumped on a 5-3 run to open the set and then later extended their lead to 12-6. Later on in the set, Wilson managed to jump on a four-point run that cut their deficit to just five points, 23-18. Despite the Phoenix's late rally, the Patriots would take set two by a score of 25-19. 

Wilson came out fired up in the third set, as they jumped out to a 10-4 lead early on. Valley Forge responded with an 11-5 run that tied the match up at 15 apiece. The Phoenix ended the set on a 3-0 that gave them the 27-25 win in set number three. 

In the fourth set, Wilson started on a 5-0 before the Patriots started a run of their own, giving them the lead, 8-6. Both teams continued to attack until the match was tied up at 13 points apiece. The two opponents traded points throughout the set with neither one being able to control the lead. The Patriots closed out the set by a score of 28-26, giving them the victory in the match, three sets to one. 

Inside the Box Score: The Phoenix finished the match with 32 kills on 139 attempts with 27 errors while their opponents finished the match with 34 kills on 132 attempts against 34 errors. Senior Oliver Perry (London, England, Okanagan Secondary) let the charge for Wilson, gathering 18 kills, six assists, and ten digs. Junior Andrew Hetzer (Chambersburg, PA., Cumberland Valley Christian) tallied 16 assists, five kills, and four aces while junior Shae Cardenas (Torrance, CA., West Los Angeles CC) racked up 20 digs, three kills, and three aces. Wilson led both teams with 12 aces on the match. 

Up Next: The men's volleyball team will be back in action tomorrow afternoon, April 10, where they will host Neumann University starting at 1:00 pm.

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