The Elizabethtown College men’s volleyball team took on the #8 team in Division III volleyball, Messiah University, on Feb. 17 at home. The Blue Jays had a strong start to their season, coming into the contest with an 11-2 record with their only losses coming from a 3-2 loss to #15 Baldwin Wallace University and Stevenson University, both either going to four or five sets. Messiah came into the matchup 10-2 with strong performances to start their season. With a large crowd forming in Thompson Gymnasium, the Blue Jays were ready to make the Falcons earn their ranking.
In the first set, the Blue Jays jumped out to a lead with sophomore outside hitter Arun Gopinath and senior outside hitter Logan Smith collecting kills. The Blue Jays held a two point lead in the set until Messiah went on a run, flipping the lead to their advantage halfway through the set.
Etown kept the set close as they were deadlocked at 18-18 after first-year outside hitter Reid Maas and sophomore middle hitter Josh McCoy contributed kills to keep the set alive for the Blue Jays. Messiah found footing, producing back to back points to end the set with a final score of 25-22.
The Blue Jays didn’t let the loss in the set hinder their performance as sophomore outside hitter Braydon Ambruster collected two kills to open the set. Etown continued to battle with the Falcons, holding a three point lead through the majority of the set. The Blue Jays jumped out to a six-point lead after forcing many attack errors by Messiah.
As they were only two points away from collecting a set point, Messiah put their foot on the gas and eliminated the six-point deficit to tie the set at 23. After being forced into extras, Messiah collected four of the final five points to complete the comeback and take their second set in the contest.
Etown had a large mountain to climb if they wanted to complete the comeback against the ranked opponent. The Blue Jays had looked strong the entire match, however, the Falcons always had a response to Etown’s efforts, creating a very competitive match and environment as the game progressed.
The Blue Jays continued the trend of jumping out to a lead early as senior middle hitter Cole Burkhardt collected a kill. Despite taking a two point lead, Messiah was able to match the Blue Jays, remaining within striking distance the entire set. Etown was up 23-21 in the final few points of the set after junior outside hitter Mason Boyer and sophomore middle hitter Max Sears both contributed kills late in the set. Messiah was able to rally late, starting a 5-1 run and defeating the Blue Jays in the third and final set 26-24.
Sears led the Blue Jays in kills on the evening with seven, followed by Gopinath with five and Smith with four. Gopinath contributed the only ace of the match and Sears led the team with four blocks. Sophomore setter Patrick Neyer added 19 assists, helping the Blue Jays keep up with the high octane offense of Messiah.
The Blue Jays moved to 11-3 on the season and will return home on Mar. 14 in a tri-match against St. John Fisher University and Bethany College.
