Norfolk, VA - After almost a month of games on the road, the Regent University Men's Volleyball team finally returned home as they hosted Roanoke College on Friday night.  It was the second time the two teams had met this season and it was an opportunity for the Royals to play one of the stronger ODAC programs.  While it would not be the result they wanted (3-1), Regent played inspired and took a set from the Maroons for the first time in program history.

After dropping the first two sets, the Royals came out with purpose in set three. Senior Keith Larkin (Snohomish, WA) ignited the offense early, delivering multiple kills that helped Regent jump out to an early lead.  Senior Preston Nemeti (Burke, VA) added several clutch attacks of his own, while Graduate Student Jaxson Gray (Chesapeake, VA) contributed a service ace and consistent pressure from the service line. Senior Lucas Whitman (Suffolk, VA) set up the attack recording 24 assists on the night to keep the Roanoke defense off balance.

Freshman Sam Parsons (Fayetteville, NC) recorded three solo blocks in the match, with two of them coming at critical moments in set three and on the defensive side the Royals finished with 44 digs as Larkin (8), Gray (9), and Parsons (7) led the way in keeping rallies alive.  Regent's attack in the third set was efficient, posting a .290 hitting percentage with 12 kills and just three errors helping them close out the set 25-17.

Larkin finished with a team-high 11 kills and 13 points, while Nemeti added 10 kills and Gray chipped in with 7 kills, 9 digs, and a block.  In addition, Whitman's 24 assists and three service aces kept the offense in position to score points.  

The Royals will be back in action on Saturday, March 21st when they are back on the road for a tri-match with the University of Lynchburg and Randolph College.  First serves are at 4:00pm and 6:00pm.