Men’s Volleyball Dominates Longwood

In its final home match of the fall, the men’s club volleyball team beat Longwood in three games (25-22, 25-21, 25-9) Nov. 6.

This was the team’s first match in over a month, which was evident, in the early moments of the night. However, the Flames managed to burn off the cobwebs and capture its seventh win of the season.

Head Coach Bryan Rigg was fairly pleased with his team. However, he recognized areas that needed some work.

“Our serving percentage was higher than usual,” Rigg said. “We kept out serves in, our offense was fairly good, our passing was fairly good … (but) our blocking was atrocious. Throughout the season so far … we have averaged between four (and) five blocks per game. Today, we had zero blocks over the first two games.”

Despite the defensive struggles, Liberty managed to play good enough offense to counteract the blocking problems they had in the first two sets. Freshman Josiah Hershberger and senior Kevin Snyder led the charge for the Flames. Hershberger managed nine kills, and two blocks in the match.

Snyder energized the team by his seven kills against the Lancers.

“It definitely builds up confidence for me as a hitter, and it sparks me (and) makes (me) want to get the next one,” Snyder said. “A big hit can change a match, so I try to provide that for the team.”

Longwood was able to keep up with the Flames in the first two games, losing to close games, 25-22 and 25-21.

In the third game, the Flames started to play more dynamic offense and solid defense leading to a 25-9 victory.

Wednesday night marked the final home match for Liberty in its regular season. The Flames will return home for the postseason for the EIVI South Championships.

“This is the strongest team we’ve had yet,” Senior Ethan Chase said. “I think this is the best team we’ll take to nationals since we’ve started the program.”