CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team extended its undefeated streak to 3-0 on the season with a hard-fought 3-0 victory (25-22, 30-28, 25-21) over Belmont Abbey on Thursday evening inside the Wheeler Center in Belmont, N.C. 

"[Matthew] Pilch played another really strong match with only one attack error," Head Coach Jeremy Price said. "Our middles were also really good tonight, they combined for seven kills and made zero errors. Our libero play was really strong; Matt Coquillette and Chris Peters did a great job combining for ten digs… it was a great team win, and next, we will prepare for a tri-match on Sunday that will really test our depth."

SET ONE
Queens edged Belmont Abbey 25-22 in the opening set, capitalizing on late momentum. Both squads traded points early, with 12 ties throughout the set. Down 21-16 late in the set, the Royals strung together a decisive six-point unanswered run behind standout plays from Matthew Pilch. Despite only hitting .190 in the set, the Royals ran away with the 25-22 victory.

SET TWO
The second set was a battle that saw 13 ties and four lead changes before Queens emerged with a 30-28 win. The Royals' offense found a groove, hitting .359 with 15 kills to withstand Belmont Abbey's late momentum. Pilch was solid yet again, delivering timely kills, while Nathan Vaupel's defensive presence at the net helped hold off the Crusaders. The Royals took home the win with a late kill and an attack error from Belmont Abbey to finalize the 30-28 score.

SET THREE
Queens maintained its momentum in the final set, claiming a 25-21 victory to seal the match. While Belmont Abbey continued to challenge, Queens controlled the set. Carson Strawbridge played a pivotal role with eleven kills and three blocks, while Marin orchestrated the offense with 29 assists. The Royals' defense stepped up, with nine digs from Chance Shampine and six digs apiece from Pilch and Chris Peters.

ROYAL RUNDOWN 

• Carson Strawbridge tallied eleven kills and three blocks.
• Matthew Pilch paced the offense with 10 kills, hitting .375 on the night.
• Nathan Vaupel added a solid four kills and five blocks.
• Queens finished with a .286 hitting percentage, outperforming Belmont Abbey's .186.

UP NEXT
Next, the Royals head back home for two matches against Tusculum and Barton at home on Sunday, January 19. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
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