Lake Wales, Fla - The Warner University men's volleyball team fought valiantly but came up short in a hard-fought three-set match against Webber International University. The Royals dropped the match 22-25, 25-27, 15-25, bringing their record to 1-1 on the season.
Match Recap: The opening set was tightly contested, with Warner staying within striking distance of Webber. Despite strong performances from key players like
Darion Graham, who tallied 13 kills and 7 digs, Warner couldn't quite close out the set. They were outmatched in key moments and fell 25-22.
In the second set, the Royals showcased their resilience, battling back from an early deficit. With
Graham leading the charge on offense, and contributions from
Michael Barnes, who added 6 kills, the Royals kept the match close. A critical serving error and some timely plays from Webber handed the Warriors a 27-25 win.
The final set saw Webber take control early, capitalizing on a series of unforced errors by the Royals. Despite the loss, Warner's defense remained solid, with
KJ Harrison posting 17 digs. The team fought until the last point, but Webber pulled away with a 25-15 victory to seal the match.
Game Leaders:
- Milos Sipragic had a standout performance on the attack, hitting 8 kills with a very efficient .538 attack percentage. His ability to find the floor helped the Royals remain competitive throughout the match.
- Darion Graham led the team in both kills and defense, finishing with 13 kills, 7 digs, and 2 assists. His offensive contributions kept the Royals in the match, even as Webber pushed ahead in key moments.
- Michael Barnes provided a strong offensive presence, posting 6 kills, 3 digs, and 1 ace, while also showing leadership on the court.
- Oscar Jaquez was a key part of Warner's defense at the net, contributing with 1 solo block and 4 block assists, finishing with 7 total points.
- KJ Harrison was a force in the back row, accumulating 17 digs, and working tirelessly to keep the ball off the floor.
- Emir Ege Gull controlled the offense with 31 assists, ensuring that Warner's hitters got plenty of opportunities. Despite the tough loss, his distribution was essential in keeping the attack flowing.
Warner now shifts their focus to their next matchup against Barry Univeristy on February 6 at Home. The Royals are determined to turn the corner and earn their first victory of the season at home.
