The men’s volleyball team earned a spot in the 2018 CVC Tournament for the second year in a row.

Prior to this, in their final match of the regular season, the Royals needed a win against #4 Kean University to clinch their position in the tournament. The men fought hard and played well against Kean, however still lost 3-0 in their final conference match of the year.

Even though they lost, the players still had a chance. Since #4 Kean University beat #12 Southern Virginia University 3-1, EMU received the last spot in the conference tournament.

The Royals entered the tournament as the three seed from the West Division, with Juniata College as the two seed.

The teams within the CVC conference have changed, making EMU adjust to their opponents. Stevenson University and Alvernia University moved to a different conference. Ramapo College, Newmann College, Southern Virginia University, and Kean University have since been added.

With so many new teams, the board of CVC divided the teams into two divisions: East and West.

After losing the CVC Championship in the fifth set last year, the Royals continue to work towards the championship title.

Before the match had finished, senior William Ragland broke his career high amount in kills, with a total of 27. Since the beginning of the season, the new coaching staff has strived to build on last year’s successful season.

Ragland explained, “This year’s new coach is fantastic. She pushes us like no other coach has and breaks down all the little things, which we have not had a coach do in the past.”

Playing Juniata twice in the season was full of intense gameplay. The two teams split their meetings during the regular season, with each winning on their home court.

With energy and determination, EMU beat rival Juniata College in a thrilling five-set win on their home court in Huntingdon, Pa.

Beating Juniata improved EMU to a 21-12 record so far this season. The 21 wins is third-most in program history, and just one-win shy of the program record 22.

Junior Christian Taylor sees the team accomplishing the goals they have laid out for themselves. “My biggest expectation for this season is to bring home a national championship and if we all stay dedicated to this team, then the sky is the limit for us,” Taylor said.

The volleyball men are 8-5 in CVC conference as they advance to the semifinals. Playing such a rigorous schedule helps prepare the Royals for a run in the post season.

EMU plays at top seed and host, Kean University on Friday, April 13 at 6 p.m.