NEED TO KNOW:
Match 1 Score: Life U 0, Lawrence Tech 3
Match 2 Score: Life U 0, Judson 3
Match 3 Score: Life U 1, Cumberland 3
Match 4 Score: Life U 0, Campbellsville 3
LEBANON, Tenn. – The Life U men's volleyball team traveled to Lebanon, Tenn. this past Friday and Saturday to compete in the Phoenix Classic. The team struggled at the event, going 0-4.
Match 1: Life U 0, Lawrence Tech 3
The Running Eagles struggled to find footing against the Blue Devils, falling behind early. After dropping the first set and posting just a .036 hitting percentage, Life U found itself on the wrong side of the momentum.
Lawrence Tech continued to hammer away as they posted a .318 or higher hitting percentage in all three sets. Despite the solid play from the Blue Devils, Life U still had multiple chances to steal set two, including forcing a late 21-21 tie. However, the team remained unable to do so and the contest closed 3-0.
Match 2: Life U 0, Judson 3
The Running Eagles took on Judson University late Friday night, looking to bounce back after the opening loss. Life U came ready to battle, as neither team was able to find separation in the first set. However, the Eagles squeaked out a set win to take the momentum into the second set.
The second set appeared promising for Life U as they held a 15-13 lead midway through. Things began to go south as Judson strung together points to take control of the set. A 10-1 run ensured as the second set also went to the Eagles. Judson controlled the third and final set, claiming a 3-0 win.
Vincent Eisinga and Charles Ewer both had seven kills for the Running Eagles in the match.
Match 3: Life U 1, Cumberland 3
Life U opened Saturday taking on the Phoenix of Cumberland early in the morning. The Running Eagles came ready to battle, taking the first set of the day. The squad remained in control for the majority of the set and secured it by taking three of the final four points.
The Phoenix battled back in the second set, controlling it from the jump. An early 12-5 lead snowballed as the home-standing team cruised to a 25-18 set win. In the third set, a late kill from Jeremy Ferreria and an attack error from Cumberland tied the set at 21-21. Looking to steal a second set, Life U battled to force another tie at 23-23 before the home squad won the final two points of the set.
The fourth set mirrored the second with the Phoenix grabbing an early double-digit lead and never looking back. Serano Keijl and Jeremy Ferreria tied for the team lead in kills with seven each.
Match 4: Life U 0, Campbellsville 3
In the last matchup of the weekend, Life U played an extremely competitive first set against Campbellsville. Posting a .353 hitting percentage in the opening set, the Running Eagles were slightly outmatched, dropping the set, 25-23.
However, after a stellar start, Life U struggled to maintain its footing as the hitting percentage dipped in the following sets. The Tigers held the Running Eagles at arm's length in the second set before going on an early run in the third set to close out the 3-0 sweep.
Jakub Kantorowicz led the team with 10 kills in the loss while Alexis Prado recorded 10 digs.
Up Next: Life U stays on the road, traveling to take on Webber International on Friday, March 21.
