GAFFNEY, S.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team (16-11, 7-2 IVA) emerged victorious in their regular season finale defeating Limestone (17-9, 1-4 IVA) by a final score of 3-1 on Thursday afternoon. The victory was the Royals seventh straight further extending the program's longest streak. Throughout the streak, Queens is averaging a .301 hitting percentage with 50 kills per match as they look to carry the momentum into the IVA Championships on April 22-23.
 
The Royals opened the evening in dominant fashion taking a quick 5-1 lead. Leading 8-7, Queens would go on an 8-1 run extending their lead to 16-8. Another 6-1 run by the visiting Royals would extend their lead to the largest of the set at 24-14 before securing the set on a Saints service error. Queens would dominate the first set hitting .556 with 12 kills while holding Limestone to a .045 mark with seven attack errors.
 
The second set saw Limestone jump ahead early with a 6-1 advantage on three kills. Trailing 12-7, Queens proceeded to go on a 5-0 run capped off by a pair of Matthew Pilch kills to grab a 12-11 lead. Both offenses would exchange points back-and-forth seeing four different lead changes. The Royals would close on a 5-2 run and secure the set 25-23 to take the 2-0 lead. The Royals would only hit .176 in the second after a terrific opener, but Queens held the Saints to a .091 mark and eight attack errors. The Royals would struggle from the service line in the set committing five errors.
 
In the third set, both squads battled early as Limestone held a slight advantage. Leading 13-12, Limestone would use a 5-0 run to grab a convincing 18-12 lead. The Royals would battle, but Limestone would halt any comeback efforts securing the third set. Despite committing 12 errors in the set, the Royals net presence was in full effect earning five blocks.
 
The fourth set saw the Royals use five three-point rallies that were unanswered throughout the set. The brief rallies would be enough for the visitors as Queens took the fourth frame 25-22. Queens managed to capitalize on 11 Limestone attack errors despite committing 11 combined errors on the attack and service line.
 
Daniel Leitao led the Royals on the attack with a game-high 23 kills while also adding eight digs. Jack Brinkman was efficient on the attack again tallying 14 kills and a .481 hitting percentage. The double-digit kills mark the third straight match that Brinkman has recorded at least 10 kills, and the seventh time in the last 10 matches. Brandon Grabow finished with a game-high 40 assists. Stirling Sims and Matthew Pilch were relentless at the net earning nine combined block assists.
 
Queens will now turn their attention to the IVA Championships which will be hosted inside Curry Arena from April 22-23. Fans can access more information, including the schedule, live video, and live stats on the tournament central website.
 
Be sure to follow the Royals men's volleyball program on Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics to follow all of the Royals sports in action.