Roanoke, VA – In what would be one of the toughest matchups of the early season, the Regent University Men's Volleyball team faced Roanoke College on the road Saturday afternoon. Both teams had four common opponents, so they were very familiar with each other's playing style. It would be a tale of two teams, as the Maroons are an established third year program, while the Royals are just beginning competition.
Regent fell behind early in the first set, but a kill by Graduate Student Colby Yawn (Chesapeake, VA) kept the Royals within striking distance. Junior Keith Larkin (Snohomish, WA) helped cut the lead to three and then a kill from Graduate Student Jaxson Gray (Chesapeake, VA) continued the scoring. Unfortunately, Roanoke would go on another run and eventually win the set 25-11.
Yawn put Regent up early with a kill and then helped the Royals score four straight points from the service line. They would find themselves leading by five points after a Graduate Student Aaron Campbell (Virginia Beach, VA) kill but the Maroons were able to cut into it and eventually tie things up at 9-9. However, a Campbell kill, followed by a Campbell ace put Regent back out in front and then a kill from Yawn made it 14-11. Roanoke eventually pulled to within two points, but Campbell continued to score with kills to keep the Royals out in front and then a kill from Yawn would give the Royals the set 25-18.
After falling behind by two points, Campbell put Regent on the board with two straight kills. However, the Maroons were able to increase their advantage to 11-4. Yawn would bring the Royals closer with a kill and then that was followed by one from Larkin and Campbell. More kills from Campbell pulled Regent to within six points, but Roanoke would eventually take the set 25-21.
The fourth set saw the Maroons jump out to a quick lead, however, Yawn would step up and find an open space for the point. Once again, Roanoke was able to go on a scoring run and the Royals eventually found themselves behind seven points, until Regent forced a Maroons error. That opened the door for a Campbell kill and then another Roanoke error. Yawn would do it again from the net and suddenly the Royals only trailed by five-points. Unfortunately, Regent would not be able to make a comeback, falling 3-1 (25-16).
Campbell led the Royals with 14 kills, while Yawn added 11 kills and 10 digs. In addition, Junior Aubrey Flora (Chesapeake, VA) finished with a team high 19 assists.
Regent will have a quick turnaround as they are back in action on Sunday, February 23rd when they travel to the University of Lynchburg for a morning match-up. First serve is scheduled for 11:00am.
