Franklin Springs, GA – The Emmanuel Men's Volleyball team hosted Fort Valley State today in non-conference action. The matchup was competitive from the start with both teams battling, but the Wildcats came away with the 3-0 victory, 25-17, 25-20- 25-21. With the loss, the Lions fall to 1-4 on the season.
 
In set one, the Lions got off to a strong start, taking a 5-1 lead on kills by Andrew Michael, Greg Bodus, and Thijs Van der Wal. Fort Valley State responded well to tie things at 5-5, continuing on their run to take the lead, 7-6. The two teams traded points until an 8-0 run by the Wildcats gave Fort Valley State an 18-11 advantage. The Wildcats closed out the set strong, to hold off the Lions 25-17. 
 
The Wildcats carried their momentum into the second set, taking an early 6-2 lead. Down 13-8, the Lions used three kill by Aidan Feeney and attack errors by the Wildcats to tie things at 15-15. The two teams traded points until the Wildcats pulled out ahead, 21-18. Fort Valley State scored the final 4 of 5 points to take set two, 25-20.
 
In the third set, the Wildcats took a 4-2 lead early, but the Lions responded well with a kill and ace by Thijs Van der Wal to tie things at 5. Another ace by Van der Wal and a kill by Andrew Michael helped the Lions take the lead, 14-12 midway through the set. A 3-0 run helped Fort Valley State go up 17-16 and although the Lions kept it close, the Wildcats came away with the set three win, 25-21 to earn a 3-0 win. 
 
Overall, the Lions had 26 kills, 3 aces, 4 blocks, 24 assists and 21 digs. 
 
Greg Bodus and Andrew Michael each had 6 kills on the night, with Thijs Van der Wal contributing 3 aces. Bodus, Michael, and Oliwer Wrobel each had 2 blocks a piece, with Wrobel adding 23 assists and 5 digs. 
 
Next up, the Lions will face Lindenwood on January 30^th at 6PM. For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.