Score: St. Thomas (3), Life (0)
Records: Life (5-7, 0-3), St. Thomas (5-1, 3-0)
MARIETTA, Ga. – The Life University men's volleyball team battled through a competitive match against St. Thomas (FL) on Thursday night but fell in straight sets, 3-0. Despite the loss, the Running Eagles showed determination and flashes of strong play, particularly in the second set, which featured multiple lead changes and intense rallies. The match concluded with set scores of 25-20, 25-22, and 25-20.
Life U started the first set with energy, trading early points with St. Thomas. However, errors proved costly, as the Running Eagles committed nine attack errors while St. Thomas capitalized on their opportunities. A late push wasn't enough, and the visitors secured the set 25-20.
The second set saw Life U's best effort of the night. The Running Eagles cleaned up their attack, recording 15 kills and keeping the set tightly contested with 11 ties. Key plays from Vincent Eisinga and Jakub Kantorowicz kept Life U in the fight, but St. Thomas managed to edge ahead late, taking the set 25-22.
In the third set, Life U continued to show resilience. Defensive plays from Charles Ewer and Jeremy Ferreira helped keep them close, but St. Thomas' efficiency at the net proved too much to overcome. The Running Eagles fell 25-20 as St. Thomas closed out the match. Despite the loss, the Running Eagles showed promise in key areas, particularly in serving and total points. The Running Eagles recorded six service aces compared to St. Thomas' two and tallied more total points (62 to 60). Additionally, Life U managed more total kills (39 to 31), showcasing offensive potential, but efficiency proved to be the difference as St. Thomas capitalized on Life U's attack errors.
TURNING POINT:
Life U's strong push in the second set highlighted potential, but late errors allowed St. Thomas to capitalize and claim the straight-sets victory.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
Life U:
- Jakub Kantorowicz led the team with nine kills and 10.5 total points.
- Carlos Stadtlober dished out 30 assists and picked up four digs.
- Vincent Eisinga added nine kills while hitting .368.
St. Thomas:
- Kaelen Ingram dominated with 10 kills and 13 total points while contributing three blocks.
- Gabriel Negrao was efficient with eight kills and a .583 hitting percentage.
- Matheus Collares facilitated the offense with 24 assists and added six digs.
UP NEXT:
The Running Eagles will look to bounce back next week in the first AAC pod of the season.
