FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The men's volleyball team hosted King University on Friday night. The Tornado took the match in four sets, moving Emmanuel's record to 9-11 (3-5 CC). 

Set one:

The Lions hit .280 at the net in the opener, but it was dominate defense that highlighted Emmanuel's performance. Five blocks held the Tornado to a percentage of .063. With the score 18-17, Emmanuel scored six straight to get to set point. Freshman Gustavo Cavalcanti knocked down the set-winner as the Lions took it, 25-19. 

Set two:

The Tornado flipped the script on the Lions in the second as they turned both their offense and defense around. King hit .303 this time around, versus .167 for the Lions. Emmanuel was within a point late in the set, 19-20, but King closed with a string of kills that gave them the game, 25-22. 

Set three:

Both teams were efficient in the third as they each hit over .300. The score was close from the start until it was tied at 16. However, the Tornado closed with a 9-3 run that gave them the set, 25-19. 

Set four:

King led early and often in the fourth as the Lions struggled to muster the momentum needed to force a tiebreaker. The Tornado would eventually take the set by five, 25-20, and the match, 3-1. 

Gustavo Cavalcanti was a bright spot for the Lions, hitting .469 with 18 kills, 4 blocks, and 4 digs. Sophomore Eli Zdonek finished with 10 kills and 9 digs, while freshman Daniel Beacham hit .375 with 5 kills and 5 blocks. 

Next up, men's volleyball will host Lees-McRae at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 26. 

For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.