Reading, Pa. (Mar. 22, 2022) - Alvernia University (11-8, 5-4) only needed three sets to take down Widener University (5-11, 1-8) 3-0 in a men's volleyball MAC matchup Tuesday night at Alvernia.
The Golden Wolves kicked off the first set fast, with
Nick Cummins helping lead a 4-0 run to open up the contest. The Pride did not stay down for long, as they kept fighting and were able to tie the contest at five apiece.
The opening stanza continued to be close, with both teams struggling to gain momentum.
Shane McNicholas and
Aidan Wunderly gave Alvernia a much-needed spark, recording two kills and leading a 4-1 Golden Wolves run. However, a strong response from the Pride gave Widener a 22-19 lead late in the set. The Golden Wolves kept fighting despite the deficit, ending the first set on a 6-0 run, with Cummins helping cap off the set. Alvernia claimed the first set 25-22.
The Golden Wolves kicked off the second set, with McNicholas recording three of the first five points in the set. Alvernia stayed on top throughout the set, with McNicholas and
Caleb Whitehead helping lead the way. The Golden Wolves claimed a 14-8 lead halfway through the second stanza.
Alvernia kept the pressure on Widener, with
Tyler Gray and
Brian Rea sparking a 7-0 run that gave the Golden Wolves a 21-9 lead. Gray closed out the stanza with a service ace, defeating the Pride in the second set 25-11.
The third stanza saw the Golden Wolves in control, opening the contest on a 4-1 run. The Pride narrowed the deficit, making it a 7-8 game partway through the set in favor of Alvernia. The Golden Wolves quickly responded, with Cummins helping take a 6-1 run and going up 14-8.
Alvernia kept up the momentum, with Wunderly and Gray helping build the lead and jump out to a 21-13 lead. The Pride did not go down without a fight, going on a quick 4-0 run to make it a 21-17 game. However, the Golden Wolves held strong, with Wunderly and McNicholas closing out the set, 25-19. Alvernia sealed the contest up, 3-0.
Cummins finished the night with 10 kills on 19 attacks, and Wunderly finished with a .438 hitting percentage with nine kills on 16 attacks and just one error. Wunderly also added seven digs and
Ethyn Burczyk finished with 33 set assists.
The Golden Wolves return to action tomorrow as they take on Lancaster Bible College at Alvernia.
