LYNCHBURG, Va. — The University of Lynchburg men's volleyball team outlasted Virginia Wesleyan in a five-set battle Wednesday evening inside Turner Gym, earning a 3-2 ODAC victory.

Lynchburg (13-9, 9-4 ODAC) was led by Joshua Davis with 22 kills on .415 hitting, adding two service aces and six digs. Bryce Jackson posted 16 kills and five aces, while Mason Kenna contributed five kills, two aces, and six digs. Nick Redding totaled six kills and three block assists. Jourdin Filimaua added two solo blocks and four block assists. Setter Will Radi dished out 45 assists with seven digs.

The opening set featured a back-and-forth start with five tie scores and four lead changes. Virginia Wesleyan (18-8, 7-6 ODAC) hit .308 as a team with 13 kills, using a late push to separate. Lynchburg recorded 11 kills on .276 hitting, with Davis leading the way early, but the Marlins closed the set on a decisive run to take the 1-0 lead.

Lynchburg responded in the second, holding Virginia Wesleyan to just .037 hitting with eight kills and seven errors. The Hornets totaled 12 kills and hit .310, gaining control midway through the set. Jackson and Redding combined to fuel a key scoring run that allowed Lynchburg to even the match at one set apiece.

The Hornets carried momentum into the third set, hitting .179 with 12 kills while limiting mistakes at key moments. Virginia Wesleyan stayed within reach behind 12 kills of their own, but Lynchburg never trailed in the set. A hot finish propelled the Hornets in front to ultimately secure the 25-22 win and a 2-1 match advantage.

Virginia Wesleyan answered in dominant fashion in the fourth, hitting .500 with 11 kills and just one error. The Marlins pulled away early and never allowed Lynchburg to settle into rhythm. The Hornets managed nine kills but hit just .120, as Virginia Wesleyan forced a decisive fifth set.

The final set delivered the night's most dramatic stretch, featuring 12 tie scores and three lead changes. Lynchburg totaled 11 kills in the set, with Davis and Jackson delivering in key moments. Virginia Wesleyan kept pace with 13 kills, but the Hornets capitalized late, finishing the extended set with a clutch run to secure the 20-18 victory.

Lynchburg now maintains third place in the ODAc standings with three conference games remaining. The Hornets are back in action against the Roanoke Maroons on Saturday, Mar. 28, in Salem. 

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