MIDWAY, Ky. -- Coming off a 3-0 sweep of Cincinnati Christian (Ohio) on Tuesday, the Midway University men's volleyball team attempted to make it two-in-a-row on Thursday night when they hosted Thomas More (Ky.) inside Marshall Gymnasium.
The Eagles came out firing on all cylinders in the first set that they won handily, but they were never able to regain the momentum of the first stanza as the Saints battled back from a two-sets-to-one deficit to come away with the 3-2 victory (12-25, 25-14, 15-25, 25-20, 15-10).
In the opening frame, the Eagles (3-11) sprinted out to a 16-4 advantage and never looked back as they cruised to a 25-12 win.
Midway posted a .294 hitting clip in the opening set, but they would cool off from a sizzling first set. The home squad posted a .163 clip for the final four sets, while Thomas More – who hit -.158 in the first set – tallied a .329 attacking percentage for the remainder of the match.
After falling in the second set, Midway regained a little bit of momentum in the third. Holding a slim 12-11 edge, the Eagles went on an 11-1 run en route to a 25-15 win in the set taking a two-sets-to-one lead in the match.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, the momentum built in the third set wouldn't last as Thomas More sprinted out to early leads in the final two sets to post the 3-2 win over the Eagles.
Victor Pietro (Gloria de Dourados, Brazil) led the offensive attack for the Eagles with a career-high 31 kills, while also adding five digs and four service aces in the loss. The freshman also carded a .262 hitting clip for the match.
Gavin-James Andaya (Kapolei, Hawaii) ran the setting duties for the Eagles as he chalked up 33 assists and four kills in the loss.
Freshman libero, Kyle West (Dry Ridge, Ky.) led the defensive attack for the Eagles with a match-high nine digs.
Midway finished the match with a .186 hitting clip, while Thomas More (4-20) posted a .228 attacking percentage for the win.
Jonea Rima's club will have a quick turnaround as they host Milligan (Tenn.) on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. ET inside Marshall Gymnasium.
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