Springfield, Ohio – The Wittenberg men's volleyball team hosted their annual Jim Coleman Classic. The two-day tournament began on Friday afternoon with Wittenberg first playing host to the #6 Eagles of Juniata College. The Tigers then returned to action in the primetime slot to take on the Knights of Southern Virginia University at 6:00 P.M. Wittenberg welcomes eight teams to Pam Evans Smith Arena for 14 matches over the two days of action. Competing teams include nationally ranked #6 Juniata College and #9 Carthage College. Wittenberg also plays host to Penn State-Behrend, Lakeland College, Lancaster Bible, Cincinnati Christian and Southern Virginia.

The Tigers would take both of their matches to four sets on the opening day of the Jim Coleman Classic. Wittenberg would fall to #6 Juniata College [25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20] in their first match of the day. The Tigers would extend the match against Southern Virginia, as the Tigers would collect another third set win on the young season. Southern Virginia would go on to claim the match [25-19, 25-15, 22-25, 25-20].

MATCH ONE vs. #6 Juniata

Wittenberg collected a .194 attacking percentage through the first match against the Eagles. Ashton Sellers and Justin Luby combined for 26 kills in the match. Sellers converted on 16 of 35 attack attempts for a .200 attacking percentage. Ross Russell was credited with 37 of the 43 Wittenberg assists in the first match. The defense sprang into action in the second set, as the Tigers recorded three of their four blocks against the Eagles. Isaiah Brock assisted on all three blocks of the second set, adding to his assist from the first set.

MATCH TWO vs. Southern Virginia

The Tigers would have to rally back against the Knights, tabbing a .087 attacking percentage through the match. Sellers would lead the Wittenberg attack once again with 15 kills on 33 attack attempts. Mason Moldovan came alive in the second match of the day for the Tigers, logging eight kills and two blocks. Troy Boucher and Russell kept the ball alive with 27 digs between the two of them. Russell would add 29 assists and three service aces against the Knights.

UP NEXT: The Tigers will return to action on Saturday, January 20 for the second day of the Jim Coleman Classic. Wittenberg will host Lakeland at 10:00 AM and Cincinnati Christian at 1:00 PM.