Reading, Pa. (Mar. 23, 2022)- Alvernia University (11-9) dropped a close game to Lancaster Bible College (11-7) 3-2 in a non-conference men's volleyball match Wednesday night at Alvernia.

The first set was back and forth, with both teams struggling to gain momentum. The Golden Wolves gained a bit of breathing room partway through the set as a 4-0 run sparked by two kills from Nick Cummins gave them a three-point lead.

The Golden Wolves continued to push, with Shane McNicholas and Caleb Whitehead helping guide a 5-1 run on the opening stanza. Alvernia pulled away late in the set, with Tyler Anderson guiding a 9-4 run and sealing the first set, 25-16.

Lancaster Bible started the second set strong, opening up on an 11-8 run. Throughout the stanza, the Golden Wolves tried to climb their way back in front, with Anderson and Whitehead recording important kills late. Despite the effort, the Chargers closed out the set and claimed the second stanza, 25-22.

The third stanza saw a strong start from the Golden Wolves, with Brian Rea and Whitehead leading an 8-4 run early. The Chargers responded quickly, gaining momentum and drawing the contest even 10-10.

Despite the strong push from the Chargers, the Golden Wolves kept pushing throughout the set. McNicholas and Whitehead each racked up a kill in a 6-1 Alvernia run midway through the set. This gave the Golden Wolves the opportunity they needed, as Alvernia used service aces from Ian Rauh and Cummins to finish the set-off, 25-19.

The fourth set was a close contest, with both teams struggling to gain control. The First-Year Cummins recorded big kills early in the set to push Alvernia out in front 9-7. However, the Golden Wolves would not keep their lead, as the Chargers would test the Golden Wolves' defense and draw the contest even, 14-14.

Alvernia quickly rallied, going on an 8-6 run and taking a two-point lead late in the fourth set. Lancaster Bible responded, ending the contest on a 5-1 run and pushing the contest to the five sets.

The Chargers opened the fifth set with a 3-1 run before kills from Aidan Wunderly and Cummins helped push the Golden Wolves out in front partway through the stanza. Alvernia kept fighting, holding onto a slim 9-8 lead in the fifth set.

The Chargers kept fighting though, and despite a strong effort from the Golden Wolves, they claimed the set 15-13. Lancaster Bible ended the night on top of Alvernia, 3-2.

Cummins led the Golden Wolves with 16 kills, five digs, and two service aces. Whitehead recorded 14 kills, six digs, and three service aces, while McNicholas ended the contest with nine kills and three block assists.

The Golden Wolves return to action Saturday as they compete in the Stevens Tech tri-match.