NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Emmanuel (GA) 3, Life U 1
Records: Life U 3–4; Emmanuel 6–10

FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. — The Life University men's volleyball team battled through four competitive sets Saturday afternoon but ultimately fell to Emmanuel (Ga.), 3–1, inside the Shaw Athletic Center.

Emmanuel grabbed the early advantage, using efficient attacking to take the opening set 25–20. The Lions totaled 15 kills in the frame and capitalized on several Life U attacking errors to build a steady cushion late in the set.

The Running Eagles responded in the second with their best stretch of the afternoon. Life U found a rhythm offensively and began to generate points from multiple attackers while tightening its play at the net. The teams traded points throughout the set before Life U delivered a late surge behind key swings from Serano Keijl and Jan Burhardt to claim a 26–24 win and even the match.

Emmanuel regained control in the third set as Aidan Feeney powered the Lions' offense. Despite several long rallies and key kills from Aurélien Lavarini and Jakub Kantorowicz, the Lions held off the Life U push and secured a 25–21 set victory to move back in front.

The fourth set remained tight through the early stages, with both teams exchanging points and defensive stops. Life U stayed within striking distance late, but Emmanuel closed the match with a late run, sealing the set 25–22 to secure the 3–1 victory.

Emmanuel finished the match hitting .277 with 56 kills, while Life U recorded 51 kills, 50 digs, and nine team blocks.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
— Jan Burhardt led Life U with 10 kills on a .368 hitting percentage while adding five total blocks and seven digs.
— Serano Keijl posted a team-high 11 kills along with seven digs and a service ace.
— Aurélien Lavarini added 11 kills, nine digs, and an ace.
— Jakub Kantorowicz contributed 10 kills and six digs.
— Riley Chapman directed the offense with 38 assists and chipped in 10 digs.
— Nazmi Bayoglu added eight digs and four assists defensively.