(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – The Wilson men's volleyball team hosted King's College in a mutual season opener, and while the Phoenix got stronger as the match went on, the Monarchs scored the win. The visitors benefited from a strong attack while limiting the Blue and White's offensive chances en route to the straight-sets victory.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 0, King's 3 (25-10, 25-20, 25-18)
Venue: Gannett Field House
Records: Wilson 0-1, King's 1-0
How It Happened
- King's got off to a fast start scoring the first six points of the contest. While back-to-back blocks by Demetrius Simmons (Jr., Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Mechanicsburg) with the second paired with Satvik Sharma (FY, Hummelstown, Pa. / Hershey) helped generate some momentum, Wilson was unable to take advantage as the Monarchs raced ahead even further for a quick first set win.
- The Monarchs jumped ahead early again, this time 5-1, to start the second. This time the Phoenix remained composed and tied it up at 6-all with help from an Xavier Webber (Jr., Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin East) kill and ace. A Sharma kill kept Wilson within one at 11-10, but the Monarchs started to pull away with the next four points. A Ryan Koontz (So., York Haven, Pa. / Red Land) kill kept them within striking distance at 22-18 before King's went up 2-0 with three of the next five.
- Despite being down two sets, Wilson had a newfound momentum and took an early lead in the third. With the set tied at five, a pair of Webber kills and another by Jacob McCoy (Jr., York, Pa. / Spring Grove) fueled a 4-0 run to give the Phoenix their largest lead of the day. After another McCoy kill, King's went on a 5-0 run to regain the lead at 13-11. Kills from Simmons and McCoy later tied the set at 15- and 16-all before King's pulled ahead once again on a 4-0 charge. Wilson was unable to recover as the Monarchs sealed the victory.
Inside The Numbers
- Webber finished with nine kills to lead the Phoenix. He did so on 22 attempts and had a hitting percentage of .182. With the nine kills he surpassed 300 for his career.
- Sharma set up the offense with 19 assists in his collegiate deubt.
- Webber also led the team defensively with eight digs.
- Simmons was also strong defensively with four blocks.
- Logan Dougherty led the Monarchs with 13 kills.
Up Next
Wilson will head to Cresson to participate in a tri-match hosted by Mount Aloysius also involving Lynchburg. The Phoenix will open with the Hornets at 2 p.m. followed by capping the event with the Mounties at 4.
