By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
Box Score NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Reinhardt (GA) 3, Life U 1
Records: Life U 3–3 (1–1 AAC); Reinhardt 2–2 (2–2 AAC)
WALESKA, Ga. – The Life University men's volleyball team battled through momentum swings and extended rallies Thursday night but came up short in an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup, falling to Reinhardt University, 3–1, at the Brown Athletic Center.
Reinhardt set the tone early, using efficient attacking and steady service pressure to claim the opening set, 25–14. The Eagles hit .588 in the frame, capitalizing on transition opportunities to build separation as Life U worked to settle in offensively.
The Running Eagles responded with their strongest stretch of the night in the second set. Life U tightened defensively at the net and found a better rhythm on offense, trading points throughout a tightly contested frame. With the score tied late, Life U closed on a decisive run behind timely kills and disciplined blocking to earn a 25–23 set victory and even the match.
Momentum briefly carried into the third set as Life U stayed within striking distance early, but Reinhardt regained control behind a balanced attack and consistent side-out play. The Eagles pulled away midway through the set and closed out a 25–22 decision to retake the lead.
In the fourth set, both teams traded points through the early stages before Reinhardt surged late. The Eagles used efficient hitting and solid net defense to create separation down the stretch, sealing the match with a 25–19 win to secure the 3–1 victory.
Reinhardt finished the night hitting .296 as a team with 55 kills, while Life U totaled 35 kills and recorded 8.0 team blocks.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
— Serano Keijl led the Running Eagles with 14 kills while adding three digs and a solo block.
— Jakub Kantorowicz recorded six kills, five digs, and two service aces.
— Vincent Eisinga contributed six kills and two aces.
— Riley Chapman directed the offense with 30 assists, six digs, and three block assists.
— Nazmi Bayoglu anchored the back row with a team-high 11 digs.
