(ASTON, Pa.) – Demetrius Simmons (Fy., Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Mechanicsburg) downed a season-best 13 kills, but it wasn't enough as Wilson was downed by Neumann in a closely contested four-set match Tuesday evening. The Phoenix evened the match after taking the second set and forced extra points in the third before being edged out in a 3-1 decision.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 1, Neumann 3 (25-16, 20-25, 27-25, 25-21)
Venue: The Mirenda Center
Records: Wilson 2-8, Neumann 5-12
How It Happened
- A kill by Wyatt Tribett (So., Myersville, Md. / Middletown) gave Wilson an early 6-4 lead in the first before the Knights went on a 5-0 run to take control. Neumann built upon the momentum and to its lead by a 21-11 margin before the Phoenix reeled off the next three points on an Xavier Webber (Fy., Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin East) kill followed by a pair of Jonathan Minnick (So., Dublin, Va. / New River CC) aces. Neumann cut the comeback attempt short with four of the next six points to take a 1-0 lead.
- Wilson had its best start of the night in the second set as it jumped out to a 15-6 lead. The Knights were within three at 9-6, but Saria Alshaikhali (Jr., Jeddah, Saudi Arabia / Hayfield) sparked a 6-0 run with a kill. The Knights slowly chipped away at the deficit and eventually tied the set at 20-all. Neumann couldn't take advantage as the Knights followed with a pair of errors. Tribett followed with an ace, another Knights error left the Phoenix serving for set point, and Simmons finished it with a kill to even the match at 1-1.
- Neumann took the strong start in the third by going in front 9-4 at the start. Wilson was able to stay close the Knights and eventually evened the set at 19-all after a small 3-0 run centered by a block from Tribett and Simmons. A 4-0 followed to give Wilson a 23-22 lead. The Knights regained the lead with the next two points, and although the Phoenix tied the game at 24 and 25, they couldn't get over the hump as the Knights scored the next two for a 2-1 lead.
- Wilson held the advantage early in the fourth and led by five as late as 13-8 after a Webber kill. The Knights mounted a comeback with an 8-2 run before both teams exchanged leads over the next six points. A Knights serving error tied the game at 19-all, but the Knights bounced back with the next four points en route to the match win.
Inside The Numbers
- Simmons finished the night with 13 kills on 27 attempts and a hitting percentage of .296. His previous best on kills was 12 also against Neumann. He now has reached double digits in kills in three of the last four matches.
- Webber and Alshaikhali both recorded double doubles. Webber down 11 attacks and picked up 11 digs, while Alshaikhali was right behind him with 10 kills and 11 digs.
- Noah Wickenheiser (Sr., Cresco, Pa. / Notre Dame) led the team defensively on the receiving end with 13 digs. Tribett added 12.
- Minnick set up the attack with 37 assists.
For The Knights
- The Knights were led by Veryl Burns who led all players with 15 kills. Brandon Baskerville led them defensively with 20 digs.
Up Next
Wilson is back in action against Mount Aloysius on Thursday. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
