Norfolk, VA - It was a historic night for the Regent University Men's Volleybsll team as they played their first ever home match on Friday night.  After playing the first eight games on the road, the Royals finally were able to play in front of their fellow students and fans.  Over a year ago, Head Coach Katelyn Totherow set out to begin a new program and so far this season, her team has exceeded expectations.  In addition, the crowd support tonight was one of the loudest crowds ever to witness a Regent athletic event and the Royals fed off that energy as they attempted to make a comeback against a very talented Roanoke College team. 

After falling behind 5-0 in the first set, Regent began a comeback and was able to tie the score after a Graduate Student Jaxson Gray (Chesapeake, VA) ace.  Another ace by Junior Aubrey Flora (Chesapeake, VA), followed by a Graduate Student Colby Yawn (Chesapeake, VA) kill gave them their first lead, but the Maroons were able to eventually pull away and win the set, 25-20.  The second set saw Roanoke take control and at a timeout they held the advantage 20-12.  However, Maroon errors combined with a big kill by Yawn helped put together six straight points and suddenly the Royals were back in the game.  Unfortunately, they would eventually fall 25-17.

The third set would turn out to be one of the most exciting sets so far this season, with Regent, once again, pushing Roanoke to the brink.  After falling behind by six points, Graduate Student Aaron Campbell (Virginia Beach, VA) stepped to the service line and brought the Royals to within one point of the lead.  However, a few plays later the Maroons were serving for the match but the energy from the home fans helped Regent fight of four match points and tie things up at 24-24.  They had a chance to serve for the set but unfortunately would fall in the match 3-0 (29-27).

Yawn led the Royals with 12 kills and 3 blocks, while Campbell added 8 kills and 11 digs.  In addition, Flora dished out a team high 15 assists  

Regent will have a quick turnaround as they are back in action on Saturday, March 1st when they travel to Ashland, VA to face Randolph-Macon College.  First serve is scheduled for 3:00pm.