MARIETTA, Ga. ---- In the first of three matches this weekend, the Life University men's volleyball team competed in an AAC contest against St. Andrews, winning the first of a busy weekend 3-1.
After falling in the opening set, 25-20, the Running Eagles hit the gas to win three consecutive sets and take down the Knights from St. Andrews.
Bouncing back in the second set of the conference contest, Life University maintained a slim advantage but was unable to create any separation as the Knights battled to a 15-all set midway through.
With a 3-0 run by the Running Eagles leveling the set at 15 apiece, St. Andrews called a timeout to attempt to stall the momentum. The Running Eagles refused to slow, jumping to 20-16 lead and again forcing the Knights to use their second and last timeout of the set. A back-and-forth run of play then saw Life U. regroup with a timeout, 23-20, before a final Ryan Ollie kill sealed the match at one set win each.
Each with a set win to their name, the Running Eagles continued to mount momentum throughout the third set as the final score of 25-19 marked the largest margin of victory by either team.
In the fourth, and ultimately, the final set, the teams were tied at eight each before a decimating Life U attack saw the Running Eagles burst ahead, 17-12. The Knights then called a timeout to subdue the momentum, rallying together to bring the score to 17-14.
An ensuing service error again put Life University in control of the serve, and as the teams battled neck and neck through the mid to late teens, the Running Eagles used a 3-0 run to creep towards match-point, 22-17.
A St. Andrews attacking error then moved the score to 23-18 before Life University's final two points of the afternoon came as a result of Ryan Ollie kills.
Individually, David Barcan led Life U with a .314 hitting percentage and 15 kills. Ryan Ollie closely followed with 14 kills while Diego Perez produced a solid seven kills with a hitting percentage .607.
Defensively, Alexis Prado was sensational as the libero, registering a program-best 26 digs in the four-setter.
The Friday afternoon result produced Life University its first AAC win of the season, but the weekend's just begun as a pair of contests against Milligan sits just around the corner. The two contests against the Buffs are set for Saturday, February 11th at 11 am and 1 pm. Both matches will take place in the Life U. Upper Gym.
