The Elizabethtown College men’s volleyball team held two intense matches against Lancaster Bible and Arcadia on Saturday, March 18.
The Etown Blue Jays entered the first heat against Lancaster Bible determined to defend their home court. The first set went to the Lancaster Bible Chargers with a score of 25-21.
In the second set, the Blue Jays fought fearlessly, out hitting the Chargers with a .407 hitting percentage; however, they could not overtake their opponent, leaving the second set with a close 26-24 defeat.
The final set began with the Chargers leading 6-3, but the Blue Jays would not be intimidated. Etown began to overwhelm Lancaster Bible by adding four points to the board—eventually, the Blue Jays began to win the match with a score of 12-9. The Chargers were not willing to release their stance easily, though. Etown and Lancaster Bible tied twice throughout the set, keeping the crowd intensely engaged. The third match ended with a score of 25-21 with Etown in the lead.
The gymnasium was full of anticipation as the players resumed their positions for the fourth set. Overall, the Chargers surpassed the Blue Jays, recording 54 kills compared to Etown’s 34. The heat was left with Lancaster Bible winning 25-23 against Etown. The battles were fought hard by the Blue Jays, but the Chargers won the war.
The second game was Etown against Arcadia. Focused on redeeming themselves, the Blue Jays entered the court with the vision of winning. The first set was intense, a constant back-and-forth lead between the Blue Jays and the Knights. Etown seemed to be the trajected winner as they led by 23-20, but Arcadia snagged the last two points, claiming a 25-22 victory.
The second set started with the Knights taking the forefront; however, the Blue Jay’s overtook first place with a service ace from senior outside hitter Blake Hildebrand. The teams continued to dance, alternating who would come out on top. The set ended with Etown winning 25-20 after Hildebrand dominated with a kill against Arcadia.
The third match began with the Knights jumping to the lead quickly. Due to senior middle blocker Tony Camillo’s kill and Arcadia’s two errors, the match was progressing with a 21-16 score, Arcadia ahead. The Blue Jays tried to cut the Knights’ lead, but they were defeated with the score of 25-21.
The fourth set was a trade-off between which team would direct the scoreboard. Senior middle blocker Cheston Jacobs and Hildebrand defeated an Arcadia attack error, allowing Etown to finish the heat with a score of 25-21.
The final set resulted in Etown claiming the matcby h 15-12 against Arcadia. Senior setter Dan Barckholtz claimed 37 assists in the game, marking his completion of 1000 career-assists.
The men’s volleyball team will travel to Randolph-Macon on Friday, March 24 for their next match.
