HARRISONBURG, Va. - The Messiah men's volleyball team took on the Southern Virginia University Knights Friday evening to begin the Eastern Mennonite Tournament. The Knights got the better of the Falcons winning the match 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-18). Jacob Hamm led the Falcons with seven kills on 15 attacks. While Noah Aurdos put together 12 assists on the night.
 
The Falcons will take on Bethany College in match two and Eastern Mennonite in match three on Saturday.
 
Set One
The Knights came out the gate scoring eight out of the first nine to take an 8-1 lead. The Falcons got on the board from two Knight errors and points from Ryan Givens and Conner Stauffer to cut the deficit to 10-5. The Falcons continued to battle back taking a 6-5 run and keeping the score within five, trailing 15-10 through the midway point of the opening set. However, the Knights took advantage of a 6-2 run opening up a 21-12 lead. Stauffer, Alex Kagoro, and a couple of Knight errors kept the Falcons close but it was not enough as the Knights took set one 25-17.
 
Set Two
The Falcons would again fall victim to a slow start trailing 10-4 early in the second set. The Knights continued the offensive onslaught opening up a 17-7 advantage. However, a 5-0 run from the Falcons provided some life late in the second set cutting the deficit to 17-12. Stauffer, Givens, Hamm, and Christian Wolf all got involved during the run for Messiah. Despite the shift in momentum, the Falcons were unable to capitalize on the run falling in set two 25-17.
 
Set Three
Determined to keep this match alive the Falcons traded points early on with the Knights to keep the score knotted at 5-5. Following two quick Knight points, the Falcons took advantage of five straight Knight errors to take a 10-7 lead. However, the Knights fought back as both teams traded points heading into the midway part of the set tied at 15-15. Messiah would again fall victim to a cold spout, as the Knights went on an 8-2 run to take a 23-16 lead. The Falcons would gain their final two points of the set from Kagoro and a service error, but it would not be enough as Southern Virginia continues their undefeated season by defeating the Falcons.
 
What's Up Next
The Falcons will be back in action Saturday, Feb 24. Messiah will face Bethany College in game two of the Eastern Mennonite Tournament at noon. Then will wrap up the tournament by playing the host school at 2:00 p.m.