CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team battled hard but ultimately fell in straight sets to McKendree on Friday night at Curry Arena. Despite a solid effort, the Royals were unable to overcome McKendree's attack, dropping the match 25-21, 25-16, and 27-25. 

SET ONE
McKendree took an early lead, going up 10-3 after solid blocking from Rolen Lively and Kevin Schuele. Despite a late push by Queens, with kills from Matthew Pilch and Nathan Vaupel, McKendree closed out the set 25-21. Queens struggled with seven attack errors and hit .186 compared to McKendree's .344.

SET TWO
Queens started strong, leading 2-0, but McKendree quickly responded and pulled ahead 8-3 after a service ace by D'Aaron McCraney. Queens fought back with kills from Chance Shampine and Pilch, but McKendree maintained control, finishing the set 25-16. 

SET THREE
The final set was a back-and-forth battle, with 18 ties and 6 lead changes. Queens held a 21-19 lead late after a block by Vaupel, but McKendree rallied, tying the set at 24-24. A kill from Sam Hoskin gave McKendree the edge, and they sealed the 27-25 victory. Queens improved offensively, hitting .242, but McKendree secured the sweep.

ROYAL RUNDOWN

• Matthew Pilch led Queens with 16 kills.
• Cayden Marin dished out 28 assists.
• Queens hit .174 as a team, while McKendree finished with a .295.

POSTGAME COMMENTS
"We didn't start the match very well, and got down 10-3 quick," Head Coach Jeremy Price said. "But when you get down big, it takes so much work just to get even. It's hard to get over the hump and finish off the set. I was really pleased with how we responded in the third set, though. The end didn't go our way, but we do have an opportunity tomorrow night. I thought Matthew Pilch played one of his best matches… hit over .500. Our middles were fantastic. We will just need to get a few more guys going tomorrow night."

UP NEXT
Queens will return to action tomorrow to face McKendree  inside Curry Arena. First serve is set for 4 PM ET.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the Royals men's volleyball team on Instagram and Twitter/X 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.