Norfolk, VA – On Sunday afternoon, the Regent University Men's Volleyball team ushered in the Colby Yawn era, as the NCCAA All-Midwest Selection and School Record Holder began his first season as the Royals' Head Coach.  Today would present a challenge as Regent faced two Old Dominion Athletic Conference schools, Shenandoah University and Randolph College.  After a successful debut season last year, the Royals were looking to carry that momentum into the new year. 

Against Shenandoah, Regent was led offensively by Senior Keith Larkin (Snohomish, WA), who turned in a strong two-way performance. Larkin finished with 11 points on nine kills and two aces, adding a team-high 11 digs to anchor the Royals' lineup. Regent also benefited from improved team defense, recording 53 digs and four blocks, with 3 coming from Graduate Student Jaxson Gray (Chesapeake, VA), while Senior Ariel Downer (Spring Lake, NC) led the team with 15 digs.  In addition, Freshman Miguel Harris (Virginia Beach, VA) dished out 11 assists in his first collegiate game.  Despite the loss, the Royals recorded 5 service aces and 24 kills. 

In their second match of the day, Regent faced Randolph College, who is one of the early season contenders in the ODAC.  While the final score was not the desired outcome, the Royals played some of their best volleyball of the day.  Gray led Regent statistically with 9 points, including 5 kills, 3 blocks and 3 digs, while Senior Lucas Whitman (Suffolk, VA) dished out a team high 21 assists. Freshman Sam Parsons (Fayetteville, NC) worked his way into the rotation, finishing with 6 kills and Sophomore Theydon Roles (King George, VA) come off the bench to deliver a big service ace and a kill.  As a team, Regent finished with 22 kills, 21 assists and 24 digs, to go along with 3 aces and 3 total blocks. 

The Royals will be back in action on Friday, January 17th when they host Averett University.  First serve is scheduled for 5:00pm.