WALESKA, Ga. (February 26, 2021) – The Webber International University men's volleyball team started off the Reinhardt University POD Tournament with a 3-1 (25-27, 25-19, 25-20, 25-22) victory over Midway University (Ky.) before falling 3-2 (25-22, 25-19, 23-25, 22-25, 15-13) in a tough five-set loss against Cumberland University (Tenn.).

In the win over Midway, Webber (4-5 overall, 2-2 Mid-South Conference) was led by Peyten Young with 33 assists, nine digs and three blocks.

Chris Ludwig had 14 kills with a .407 attack percentage, and Gunter Perea Quevedo had 12 kills and a .455 attack percentage. Both players also finished with three blocks.

Zachary Ayala added eight kills on a .364 attack percentage, and had seven digs, and Steven Bartlett had also had seven digs to go along with three service aces.

Last but not least, Kevin McCarthy finished with a match-high five blocks.

Tied 22-22 in the fourth set, the Warriors were able to hold off the Eagles and win the match thanks to three straight points on a kill by Perea Quevedo assisted by Young, a Midway attack error, and lastly, a solo block by McCarthy.

Against Cumberland, Webber trailed 10-7 in the fifth set after three straight points by the Phoenix, but got back to within one at 10-9 after back-to-back kills by Young. A kill by Perea Quevedo then made it a 13-11 Warrior deficit, and a kill by Ayala followed by a Cumberland attack error made it only a one-point margin at 14-13 before a final kill by the Phoenix.

In that match, three Warriors had double-digit digs as Daniel Suarez led the way with 21, followed by Young with 17 and Luis Gustavo Silva with 15.

Young also had 26 assists to record his first career double-double, and added six kills, three blocks and two service aces.

Ayala finished with 10 kills and eight digs, Perea Quevedo had nine kills and seven blocks, Ludwig had six kills and seven digs, and McCarthy had three blocks.

Next up, Webber will compete in one more match at the Reinhardt POD Tournament, playing Georgetown College at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 27. Then, the Warriors' first home match of the 2021 season will take place on Thursday, March 4, against Truett McConnell University.