Charlotte, N.C. – The No. 15 Lewis University men's volleyball team was back in action against Queens University of Charlotte for the second time this weekend with Lewis claiming a 3-2 victory.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Daniel Haber (Remsenburg, NY/Westhampton Beach) led the offense in the five-set thriller with 16 kills.
Diego Estrada (Ponce, Puerto Rico/Adianez) tied his season high with 41 assists. Shawn Baggs Jr. recorded six total blocks, and
Nico Paula (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Preparatory School) added eight digs. Lewis finished with a significantly higher hitting percentage than Queens, .274 compared to .157.
For Queens, Casey Maas tallied 16 kills, while Charlie Podgorny recorded 38 assists and eight digs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set one opened with a battle, as kills from Haber and Hoying kept the Flyers close to Queens. However, several attack errors allowed Queens to build momentum and take control midway through the set. Despite a late push, Lewis could not overcome the deficit as Queens closed out the set 25-19.
The Flyers responded in the second set with a more balanced offense and stronger serving, highlighted by back-to-back service aces from Maas to help Lewis create separation. Maintaining their composure down the stretch, the Flyers secured the 25-18 win to even the match at one set apiece.
Set three returned to a tight battle. Lewis built an early advantage behind aggressive swings from Hoying and Krueger-Beer, but Queens answered to keep the score close. In a tense finish, Lewis capitalized on a Queens error to seal the 27-25 victory and take a 2-1 match lead.
Queens responded in the fourth set with a strong offensive effort. The Flyers stayed competitive and made a late push, but Queens closed it out to even the match and send it to a fifth set.
Lewis came out focused and aggressive in the fifth and final set. With multiple service aces and key swings, the Flyers built an early lead. Although Queens attempted to rally late, Lewis maintained composure down the stretch. A final kill from Haber sealed the 15-8 fifth-set victory, completing the hard fought comeback win.
MATCH NOTES
- Tonight's win extends Lewis' winning streak over Queens to 8-0.
- Cameron Hoying (Columbus, Ohio/St. Francis DeSales) tied his season best with three service aces in the match.
- Their .636 hitting percentage in set five (8-1-11) was the highest single-set efficiency in any fifth set this season.
UP NEXT
Lewis hosts Ohio State University on Thursday, Feb. 26, for its Black Out/Fly As One match at Neil Carey Arena in Romeoville, Ill. First serve is set for 7:00 PM.
For the latest news, scores, and updates on Lewis men's volleyball, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @Lewismensvb on Instagram and @LewisMVBall on X.
