CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team opened their 2025 campaign with a strong 3-1 victory over Charleston (WV) on Saturday afternoon inside the Levine Center. The Royals were highlighted by solid performances from Matthew Pilch, Reed Shuey, and Carson Strawbridge to take the home-opening win.

"[Matthew] Pilch hit .500, and it was good to have him back at full strength," head coach Jeremy Price said after the match. "Reed Shuey was also unstoppable in the middle and provided a great attacking presence. Carson Strawbridge, for his first career start… couple of aces, a few solid blocks… I was really pleased with how he came out. As a team. Our blocking presence was a huge positive with 13.5 on the day. I thought we were well-prepared and executed the scout report."

SET ONE
Queens started strong in the opening set with efficient attacking, hitting .500 as a team in the frame. Cayden Marin directed the offense well with nine assists in the set. Matthew Pilch led the attack with five kills in the first set alone, while Carson Strawbridge and Nathan Vaupel anchored the defense with blocks. Queens took control early and sustained momentum, winning the set 25-19.

SET TWO
The Royals carried their momentum into the second set, maintaining a balanced attack led by Marin and Pilch. Reed Shuey shined with timely kills, hitting .667 for the match. Queens' blocking game was dominant, as they registered six team blocks in this set alone, stifling Charleston's offense. A service error by the Golden Eagles finalized the second set by a 25-19 Queens win.

SET THREE
Charleston fought back in the third set, ultimately limiting their errors. Queens struggled with consistency, committing four attack errors and hitting .172 as a team. Despite strong defensive efforts from Strawbridge and Chance Shampine, Charleston capitalized on a quick start and took the set 25-14, extending the match to a fourth frame.

SET FOUR
In a tightly contested fourth set, Queens showed resilience. Shuey, Strawbridge, and Pilch combined for clutch plays, while Marin continued to orchestrate the offense. The set featured five ties and one lead change, but ultimately Queens'  blocking presence secured a 25-22 victory to clinch the match 3-1.
 

ROYAL RUNDOWN 

• Matthew Pilch finished with a solid 14 kills and .500 hitting percentage to lead the Royals. 
• Reed Shuey was dominant at the net with five blocks and nine kills (.667).
• Cayden Marin finished with 30 assists (a career-high), four digs, and a block.
• In Carson Strawbridge's career start, he finished with nine kills, two aces, and an impressive seven blocks.
• The Royals' dominant blocking (13.5 total team blocks) was one of the main keys to victory.

UP NEXT
Next, the Royals finish off the series against Charleston (WV) inside of Levine tomorrow, Jan. 12 for a 6PM start. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
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