Lynchburg, VA – For the second time in two days, the Regent University Men's Volleyball team competed in a Tri-Match in the western part of the State. It was also the second time in 24 hours that they would face Averett University, as they avenged their loss last night by defeating the Cougars in a thrilling five-set match, 3-2 but fell in the second match with the University of Lynchburg.
The Royals dropped a close opening set narrowly, but they battled back after losing sets two and three to force a decisive fifth set. In a match filled with momentum swings and 17 ties overall, Regent fought through the adversity and beat the Cougars for the second time this season in five sets.
Graduate Student Jaxson Gray (Chesapeake, VA) led the offensive charge for the Royals with 12 kills on a strong .296 hitting percentage, adding 10 digs for a double-double effort. Senior Keith Larkin (Snohomish, WA) contributed 10 kills and 9 digs, while Sophomore Preston Nemeti (Burke, VA) provided a spark off the bench with 8 kills in limited action. Senior Lucas Whitman (Suffolk, VA) orchestrated the attack with 25 assists, 2 service aces, and solid defense.
The blocking unit was a key factor in the comeback, tallying 12 team blocks (1 solo, 22 assisted). Freshman Raik Peter (Bremen, Germany) recorded 6 block points as others combined to disrupt Averett's rhythm repeatedly, particularly in sets four and five where Regent limited errors and capitalized on opportunities.
After falling behind 0-2 in sets, the Royals refused to fold. They battled to a 27-25 win in set four—overcoming multiple late deficits—and then dominated the fifth set from the start, jumping out to leads and closing it out convincingly at 15-11.
In the finale against the Hornets, Regent kept each set close but was unable to prevail as they fell 3-0. Freshman Sam Parsons (Fayetteville, NC) led the way with 4 kills, while Whitman dished out 9 assists.
The Royals will be back in action on Friday, March 13th when they return to host Roanoke College. First serve is aet for 5:00pm.
