Emmanuel University (Ga.)

The Emmanuel Lions took on Mount Olive with a spot in the Conference Carolinas Tournament on the line, delivering a strong performance in a 3-1 victory. The Lions came out with intensity and purpose, setting the tone early and maintaining control for most of the match.

Aiden Feeney led the charge in the opening set, helping Emmanuel build momentum early on. His presence, along with strong team play, allowed the Lions to establish confidence that carried throughout the match.

In the first set, Emmanuel found its rhythm midway through, building a key lead to 20-16. The Lions maintained that momentum down the stretch to secure a 25-22 win. Offensive contributions from Thijs Van der Wal and Aiden Feeney played a major role, as both delivered crucial kills. The back-row unit also proved reliable, providing steady serve receive that allowed Emmanuel to stay in system and control the set.

In the second set, Emmanuel carried its momentum from the opener, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead. The run was fueled by kills from Matthieu Battaille and Thijs Van der Wal, along with a service ace from Greg Bodus. From there, there was no slowing down the Lions, as they maintained a strong lead over Mount Olive throughout the set. Emmanuel stayed in control and secured a 25-20 victory.

In the third set, Mount Olive responded with renewed energy, gaining its first lead of the match at 16-15. The set remained competitive, with both teams trading points, but Mount Olive maintained its edge late to take the set 25-22.

In the fourth set, both teams battled point-for-point in a tightly contested finish. Mount Olive fought back with aggressive swings and capitalized on Emmanuel errors to even the score at 24-24. With the set and a tournament spot on the line, the Lions responded under pressure. Emmanuel secured the match with a clutch kill from Thijs Van der Wal, closing out the set 27-25.

Tonight was a milestone night for senior, Aidan Feeney who joined the prestigious 1,000 point club!

Overall, the Lions had 58 kills, 6 aces, 9 blocks, 50 assists, and 55 digs.

Aidan Feeney led the way with 26 kills, with Thijs Van der Wal picking up 12. 

Feeney had 3 aces on the night, with Greg Bodus and Elek Cumming each adding 1. Bodus led the LIons in assists with 40 and blocks with 4. Aidan Feeney and Josh Staelher picked up 13 digs each on the night. 

Takeaway: Emmanuel showed resilience and control in key moments, especially in high-pressure situations. Despite Mount Olive pushing back in the third and fourth sets, the Lions stayed composed and executed when it mattered most to secure the win and punch their ticket to the Conference Carolinas Tournament.

The LIons will face #3 seed, Lees McRae on Wednesday at 7PM in the first round of the Conference Carolinas Championship.