HARRISONBURG, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg men's volleyball team split its Saturday doubleheader, sweeping Bridgewater (Va.) before falling to nationally-ranked Juniata to close the day.

The Hornets opened the afternoon with a convincing 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 victory over Bridgewater at Nininger Hall.

Lynchburg hit .259 as a team and controlled the match offensively, finishing with 38 kills on 81 attempts while holding the Eagles to a .088 hitting percentage. The Hornets also held advantages in aces (8-1), assists (37-24), and total points (54-35).

Bryce Jackson led the way with 10 kills and four blocks, while Joshua Davis added eight kills. Jeremiah Costello contributed four kills and two service aces, and Nick Redding chipped in an ace of his own.

Will Radi orchestrated the offense with 34 assists, guiding a balanced attack that saw four players register at least four kills. At the net, Jackson, Mason Kenna, and Jourdain Filimaua combined to anchor an eight-block performance.

After a tightly contested opening set, Lynchburg used efficient serving and steady play at the net to pull away in the second and third frames to secure the straight-set win.
 

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In the second match of the day, the Hornets faced a tough test against nationally-ranked Juniata, falling 25-19, 25-19, 25-15.

Lynchburg finished with 21 kills but was limited to a .031 hitting percentage, while Juniata hit .324 and recorded 35 kills. The Eagles also held advantages in aces (6-1), assists (33-20), and digs (18-12).

Jeremiah Costello, Nick Redding, and Jourdain Filimaua each tallied five kills to pace the Hornets. Radi added 17 assists and three digs, while Bryce Jackson posted three blocks at the net.

Lynchburg remained within striking distance early in the first two sets but could not slow Juniata's offensive rhythm. The Eagles used strong serving and efficient attacking to build separation late in each frame and carried that momentum into the decisive third set.

The Hornets return to action for their home opener against cross-town rival Randolph on Wednesday, Feb. 25 in Turner Gymnasium. 

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