MARIETTA, Ga. (February 5, 2022) - The Webber International University men's volleyball team traveled to Life University for its Mid-South Conference opener on Friday night. It was a matchup of two teams receiving votes in the NAIA national poll and the Warriors came out on top 3-1 (18-25, 25-22, 25-20, 27-25).

The Warriors (4-3 overall, 1-0 MSC) started the match slow but quickly found their footing and turned it around. Life (1-1, 0-1) finished with a hitting percentage of .331 percent compared to the Warriors .277 percent. Webber shined on the defensive end, gathering 10 total blocks while the Running Eagles finished with four.

Life started strong, capturing the first set and hitting a very impressive .583 along the way. The two teams would trade blows throughout the second set, but the Warriors would finish strong and win set number two to level the match at 1-1. Life would take a 9-8 lead early in the third set, but the Warriors would go on a 6-1 run to take a 14-10 lead. Another 5-0 run from the Warriors later in the set would extend the lead yet further at 20-12. Webber would go on to win the third set, 25-20, and take the match lead 2-1.

Set number four would prove to be the most tightly contested of the match with momentum swings in both directions. The Warriors would hold a 23-21 lead late in the set, however, Life would go on a 3-0 run to take the lead and put Webber's back against the wall at 24-23. A kill from Chris Ludwig would level it at 24-24 before another kill from the Running Eagles would regain them the lead, awarding match point for Life. The Warriors would then score three-straight on a kill from Ludwig, an attack error from Life, and finally an ace from Ludwig to end the set and match, earning Webber the 3-1 victory.

Offensively, the Warriors were led by Tinaishe Ndavazocheva with a season-high 16 kills while hitting .500 percent followed closely behind by Ludwig with 15 kills. Peyten Young would lead the team in assists, tallying 38 in total on the night. On the defensive end, Daniel Hermida led the team with five total blocks to go with his four service aces. He was followed by Gunter Perea Quevedo and Lachlan Diamond who had four blocks each. Perea Quevedo and Samuel Pearish both led the team in digs with seven each followed by Ludwig and Young who both finished with six each.

"The guys did a great job this week staying on task and making adjustments when needed and it reflected on the outcome of the match," said Head Coach Carlos Jimenez. "It was important for us to make a statement at the start of conference play and for the guys to get a glimpse of who they can be."

The Warriors now travel to Reinhardt University for another conference match tomorrow, February 5th at 11 a.m. It will be two matches in one day as they will then head to Morehouse College for another match at 6 p.m.