Grantham, Pa. (Feb. 19, 2022)- Messiah University (9-3, 4-0) swept Alvernia University (5-4, 0-1) 3-0 Saturday night in the men's volleyball MAC season opener at Messiah.
Tyler Anderson kicked off the contest for the Golden Wolves, tallying the first kill of the contest. As the set progressed, both teams battled back and forth, with the score knotted firmly at 9-9 halfway through the set.
As the opening stanza progressed, neither team was able to gain ground, with Anderson and
Christian Mosley helping keep the contest close. However, a late 5-2 run helped propel the Golden Wolves out in front 20-19 late in the first set. Despite the strong push, the Falcons offense closed out the period strong, going on a 6-0 run. Messiah ended the first set on top of Alvernia, 25-20.
The second set saw Alvernia's offense start hot, with
Nick Cummins and Mosley leading the way to a 5-2 run. The Golden Wolves' offense continued to battle, as they held a 15-11 lead partway through the second set.
Despite Alvernia's offensive push, Messiah continued to battle, using a late 4-0 run to draw the contest even, 20-20. The Golden Wolves were able to respond, taking a one-point lead late, but the Falcon's offense proved to be too much, as Messiah ended the second set on a 5-1 run to claim the second set, 25-22.
The third set was another back-and-forth start, with the Golden Wolves possessing a slim, 5-4 lead. Messiah's offense was able to kickstart early this time, as the Falcons used a 5-1 run to take a 9-6 lead.
The Golden Wolves' offense was never able to bounce pack after Messiah's offensive explosion. Despite strong efforts from Mosley and
Brian Rea, Alvernia would eventually drop the third set. Messiah claimed the third set 25-20, and the contest 3-0.
Anderson led the Golden Wolves with nine kills and three digs, while Mosley racked up seven kills, three total blocks, and three digs. Cummins rounded out the day for Alvernia, recording six kills during the contest.
The Golden Wolves return to action Tuesday as they face off against Arcadia at Alvernia.
