Reading, Pa. (Feb. 3, 2022)- Alvernia University (2-3) lost a close match against Long Island University (3-5) 3-1 in non-conference men's volleyball action at Alvernia Thursday night.

Long Island University is the first Division I opponent that Alvernia men's volleyball has faced off against in the program's short history.

The first set started fast, with Tyler Anderson recording the first kill for the Golden Wolves. The Sharks responded quickly, using a few strong offensive rallies to go out in front with a 15-10 lead. Alvernia's offense kept battling though, with Anderson and Nick Cummins helping propel the Golden Wolves on a massive 11-5 run, making the score 21-20 in favor of Alvernia.

Despite the effort, LIU's offense proved too strong, ending the opening stanza on a 3-0 run and claiming the first set, 25-23.

The second set saw Alvernia starting hot, with Anderson and Ian Raugh leading the team on a 5-2 run. The Sharks kept battling, eventually drawing the match even, 8-8. Despite this, the Golden Wolves refused to back down, with Rauh helping guide an 11-5 Alvernia run.

LIU did not stay down for long, fighting its way back and cutting the deficit to one with a score of 20-19, Alvernia. Despite the run, the Golden Wolves would not be denied, with Anderson sparking a 5-1 run, closing out the second set for Alvernia with a score of 25-21.

The Sharks opened the third set on a 10-4 run before the Golden wolves were able to start gaining momentum. As the set progressed, Alvernia slowly started to crawl its way back, with Rauh and Brian Rea giving the team life. The Golden Wolves were able to knot things up at 21 apiece late in the third stanza. However, the Sharks narrowly closed out the set on a 4-2 run, claiming the third set, 25-23.

The fourth and final set of the contest had the Sharks jumping out on a quick 12-5 run. Once again, the Golden Wolves showed their toughness, with Caleb Whitehead and Rea sparking a 10-8 Alvernia run. The Golden Wolves kept applying pressure, going on a late 3-0 run, making the score 23-20, LIU. Despite the effort, it would not be enough, as the Sharks claimed the fourth set, 25-20, and the contest 3-1.

Anderson led the Golden Wolves with ten kills and two digs. Rea tallied eight kills, three block assists, and two digs, while Rauh racked up six kills along with six block assists on the evening.

Alvernia returns to action Wednesday at home against Elizabethtown College.