CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jeremy Price's squad took home their third triumph of the week on Saturday, Jan. 20 against Erskine, defeating the Flying Fleet 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-16).
On the week, the Royals played 10 sets against three opponents and won nine of them, improving their record to 3-3 in non-conference play.
SET BY SET
Both sides of the net came to play in the first set, as Erskine and Queens battled point-by-point for most of the frame. Neither squad held a consistent lead, resulting in seven tied-scores — but a solid four-point run led by Matthew Pilch on the kill resulted in a 25-23 Queens win.
In the second, the Royals put down 14 kills from 20 total attempts and only picked up two errors resulting in a .600 hitting percentage. The Flying Fleet, who were picked to finish second in the Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches Poll, only could whip up a .053 hitting percentage in the second.
The Royals held a confident lead for the entirety of the set with the help of a six-kill frame from Jack Brinkman.
In the final set, Erskine held their ground at the 9-9 mark before the Royals went on a 7-1 run led by Erskine errors. The Royals squared away the match with a final 3-0 run with an error from Erskine and a kill each from Brinkman and Pilch.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Brinkman led the Royals once again with an 11-kill performance. After today, Brinkman has led the Royals offensively (total kills) in four of six matches.
Additionally, Stirling Sims had a solid night with seven kills, six blocks, and a dig and Daniel Leitao added in a match-leading 34 assists.
REMARKS FROM COACH PRICE
"I think we really found our offense in the fourth set against Lees-McRae, and it carried over," Head Coach Jeremy Price said. "I think tonight in the first set we played well statistically but we were pretty flat. Erskine is a really good team and after that first set we started to execute the scouting report a little better. When our middles are doing well, Daniel [Leitao] is setting well, and our serve-receive is good, we are a tough team to beat."
UP NEXT
The Royals will head to Belmont Abbey on Wednesday, Jan. 24 to face the Crusaders for a 6 PM start.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the Royals men's volleyball team on Instagram and Twitter/X to stay up to date on all the latest news surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
