The EMU Men’s Volleyball team lost to nationally ranked Southern Virginia 3-1 on a Rowdy Royal’s night. Junior opposite hitter David Ward and senior outside hitter and team captain Nate McGhee played impressive games. Ward finished the game with nine kills, 33 total attempts, one solo block, one assisted block, and 10.5 points. Ward showed his ability to climb the ladder and deliver the ball with intensity on the outside. The sheer velocity of Ward’s spikes could be felt from the commentary table that night. McGhee finished the game with ten kills, 25 attempts, one assisted block, and 11.5 points. McGhee showed vocal leadership and an innate ability to slot the ball into incredibly tight windows through the defense as the captain played an impressive game.
The team had not played a game in ten days before the matchup but came out hot and confident in their first set, winning 26-24, and getting the rowdy crowd riled up even further. Both teams struggled with service errors in the first set, which would remain a problem throughout the game. After the first set, the Southern Virginia Knights showed why they are considered one of the top teams in the country, responding to a great first set from the Royals and taking the following three sets by; 11 points, 10 points, and nine points. Both teams still struggled with service errors, as neither team got a consistent scoring run going, as when one team would get on a run, they would commit a service error, then the other team would follow suit. Southern Virginia attacked the Royals at every angle as the game went on, attacking minor weak points and finding ways to make them uncomfortable and stay uncomfortable.
Despite the loss, the fact that a team picked to finish last in the conference with a new coach and only two seniors competed competitively with one of the top teams in the country showed the team’s growth, competitiveness, and mental fortitude. The chance of potential success in the coming future for this team is high. The team will continue to grow around coach Hoyos as he and the team continue to bond. The team is currently 9-10, already improving on their 3-8 finish from last season. The team has six games left this season, providing even more opportunities to grow, improve, and win.
