NEED TO KNOW
Score: Life 3, Bluefield (Va.) 0 (25–19, 25–17, 25–15)
Record: Life 6–3 (3–1 AAC)
CLEVELAND, Ga. — The Life University men's volleyball team delivered another strong showing Saturday afternoon, sweeping Bluefield (Va.) in straight sets (25–19, 25–17, 25–15) in Appalachian Athletic Conference play at Truett-McConnell.
The Running Eagles weathered an early push from Bluefield in the opening set before settling in and asserting control behind efficient offense and a dominant presence at the net.
Bluefield jumped out to an early advantage in the first set, forcing Life U to respond after falling behind midway through the frame. The Running Eagles answered with a decisive run, fueled by improved blocking and timely kills from multiple attackers. Life U closed the set on a surge, turning a deficit into a 25–19 win.
In the second set, Life U found its rhythm early and maintained steady separation throughout. The Running Eagles hit an efficient .400 in the frame, limiting errors while continuing to pressure Bluefield defensively. Consistent play from the setter position and balanced offensive production allowed Life U to control the tempo en route to a 25–17 victory and a 2–0 match lead.
The third set saw Life U fully take command, using a combination of defensive discipline and offensive efficiency to pull away early. The Running Eagles limited Bluefield's opportunities while capitalizing on transition chances, steadily building a lead before closing out the match with a 25–15 decision to secure the sweep.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Life U totaled 42 kills on a .269 hitting percentage
The Running Eagles held Bluefield to a .057 hitting clip (23 kills, 18 errors)
Life U recorded 38 assists and 42 digs in a balanced team performance
The Running Eagles added six total blocks and four service aces
Bluefield was limited to just one service ace and committed 18 attacking errors
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Jan Burhardt led all players with 15 kills on an efficient .824 hitting percentage, adding four blocks and five digs
Riley Chapman orchestrated the offense with 29 assists while contributing five kills, eight digs, two aces, and three blocks
Serano Keijl added seven kills and five digs
Vincent Eisinga contributed four kills and two blocks
Nazmi Bayoglu anchored the defense with a match-high 12 digs while adding an ace and seven assists
