VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg men's volleyball team split in its Saturday doubleheader at TowneBank Arena, falling 3-1 to Virginia Wesleyan before dropping a 3-0 decision to Concordia Chicago.

Virginia Wesleyan 3, Lynchburg 1

(25-20, 21-25, 25-21, 25-22)

The Hornets (4-7, 2-2 ODAC) battled throughout the four-set contest but could not slow Virginia Wesleyan's offensive efficiency in key stretches.

Lynchburg totaled 51 kills and hit .221 as a team, highlighted by a strong second set in which the Hornets recorded 16 kills and hit .393 to even the match at one set apiece. However, the Marlins responded by hitting .353 in the third frame and held off a late Lynchburg push in the fourth to secure the victory.

Nick Redding led the Hornets with 16 kills and five blocks, while Mason Kenna and Jourdin Filimaua each added 10 kills. Filimaua was a force at the net, finishing with a team-high four blocks.

Setter Will Radi orchestrated the offense with 42 assists and nine digs, and Brayden Berardo chipped in a team-best 11 digs defensively.

Concordia Chicago 3, Lynchburg 0

(25-20, 25-23, 25-20)

In the second match of the day, Lynchburg struggled to find sustained offensive rhythm against a disciplined Concordia Chicago squad.

The Hornets hit .098 as a team and were limited to 26 kills across three sets. Concordia Chicago held advantages in kills (37-26), assists (35-24), and digs (35-24), controlling the tempo throughout the afternoon contest.

Jeremiah Costello and Bryce Jackson led Lynchburg with seven kills apiece, while Redding added six. Radi recorded 15 assists and Miller Varley contributed five assists in relief. Defensively, Berardo once again led the way with 11 digs.

Lynchburg returns to conference play this week with three matches against ODAC opponents, beginning with Roanoke at home on Wednesday, March 4. 

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--LYN--