Springfield, Ohio – Wittenberg men's volleyball opened up the 2018 season at home against the #14 Saints of Marymount University. The Tigers were able to take one set from the Saints, after rallying from down two games 25-17 and 25-20. Wittenberg took the third 25-20 forcing a fourth game. Marymount would take the match in the fourth set, as the decision went the Saints way 25-19. The duo of Ashton Sellers and Nathan Matthews combined for 68 attacks on the evening. Sellers tallied 16 kills for a .184 attack percentage in the Tiger's home opener. The two sides were evenly matched above the net, finishing the match with 10 blocks each. Isaiah Brock tallied three block assists and a solo block to lead the defensive effort.
SET ONE: Wittenberg was able to compile 38 attack attempts in the first set, logging 12 kills and nine errors. The Saints were able to jump out to an early lead, recording 11 kills on 33 total attacks. Matthews recorded back-to-back points for Wittenberg, though it would not be enough to take the first set. The Saints would take the opener 25-17.
SET TWO: The two sides traded points for the first half of the second set. Wittenberg logged six kills with six errors on 30 attack attempts. Marymount was able to outlast the Tigers down the stretch, converting on 30 attack attempts for 11 kills with seven errors. Marymount would take the second set by a final of 25-20.
SET THREE: Wittenberg came alive in the third set, recording 11 kills on 28 attack attempts with just one error. The Tigers logged a .357 attack percentage in their lone set win of the night. Wittenberg forced seven Marymount errors, against 36 attack attempts. Wittenberg would rally, coming back from exchanging points with the Saints to end on a 6-1 scoring run. Wittenberg would claim the fourth set 25-20.
SET FOUR: Marymount closed out the match with a .444 attack percentage, converting 27 total attacks for 15 kills. Wittenberg logged 10 kills for on 27 total attacks in the final set.
UP NEXT: Wittenberg will be back in action when they host the Jim Coleman Classic Friday and Saturday, January 19 and 20.