COLUMBUS, OH – The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team fought hard but ultimately fell in straight sets (20-25, 19-25, 22-25) to Ohio State on Thursday night at the Covelli Center. Despite moments of strong play, the Royals were unable to overcome the Buckeyes' offensive pressure.
The opening set saw Queens stay competitive early, with both teams trading points. The Royals trailed 12-10 before Ohio State put together a 6-2 run to create separation. A late push from Queens tied the score at 18, but the Buckeyes capitalized on key kills from Stanislaw Chacinski to close the set, 25-20.
In the second frame, the Royals came out with energy, taking an early 4-0 lead behind strong net play from Reed Shuey and Matthew Pilch. However, Ohio State responded with an 8-2 run to regain control. Queens struggled to maintain momentum, and a series of attack errors allowed the Buckeyes to extend their lead. Despite a pair of blocks from Rylan Colman and Carson Strawbridge, Ohio State sealed the set at 25-19.
Queens showed their best form in the third set, pushing the Buckeyes to the limit. Despite falling behind early on, the Royals crawled their way back to tie things at 21-all. The teams battled through multiple ties before Ohio State found late-set heroics, using a service ace and a key block to edge out the Royals, 25-22, and complete the sweep.
ROYAL RUNDOWN
- Matthew Pilch led Queens with eight kills, hitting .444, while adding 10 digs for a double-double performance.
- Reed Shuey was a force at the net, recording six kills on a .500 clip along with five total blocks.
- Cayden Marin guided the offense with 24 assists and chipped in four digs.
- Carson Strawbridge anchored the defense with seven digs and one service ace.
- Rylan Colman contributed three blocks and three kills in the middle.
Queens finished with a .234 hitting percentage, tallying 28 kills, 27 assists, and 33 digs.
On the other side, Ohio State hit .309 as a team, led by Kyle Teune (11 kills, .348) and Cole Young (9 kills, .615).
POSTGAME COMMENTS
"Tough night at Ohio State, but I thought we received good performances out of Pilch and Shuey," Head Coach Jeremy Price said. "I thought Reed had one of his best all-around nights against a quality opponent. Pilch was efficient as well… had a good night serving… Ohio State played really well. We have to do a better job of getting a few more touches at the net and slowing down their offensive attack."
UP NEXT
The Royals are back against the No. 16 Buckeyes in Columbus on Saturday with first serve scheduled for 2:00 PM.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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