OPENING SERVE
Score: Charleston (W.Va.) 3 | Queens 0
Records: Queens (5-2 overall, 0-0 MIVA) | Charleston (3-4 overall, 0-0 EIVA)
Location: Wehrle Innovation Center (Charleston, W.Va.)

THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team dropped the finale of its road trip Friday morning, falling to Charleston in straight sets inside the Wehrle Innovation Center. Despite a balanced offensive effort and a career day from Kaden Saurer, the Royals couldn't overcome the Golden Eagles' efficient attack in a 25-22, 25-23, 25-22 decision.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Queens hit .221 as a team with 35 kills on 86 swings.
• The Royals recorded 30 assists, four service aces, 23 digs, and eight total blocks.
• Queens posted its most efficient offense in the second set, hitting .367 with 14 kills and three errors.
• Kaden Saurer led the Royals with a career-high 12 kills on .360 hitting and added a service ace.
• Reed Shuey delivered seven kills on nine swings (.667) with four total blocks.
• Casey Maas totaled seven kills and two blocks.
• Nathan Vaupel added four kills and three service aces.
• Caleb Williams directed the offense with 24 assists.

NOTABLE MOMENTS

• Queens stayed within reach throughout the opening set, tying eight times before Charleston pulled away late for a 25-22 win.
• The Royals again battled in the second, hitting .367, but Charleston closed on a late run to take a two-set lead.
• Queens erased multiple deficits in the third during a set that featured 16 ties, but the Golden Eagles secured the sweep with another 25-22 finish.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Saurer's 12 kills marked a new career high and accounted for more than one-third of Queens' offense.
• Shuey anchored the front row defensively with three solo blocks and one block assist.
• Vaupel provided pressure from the service line with three of Queens' four aces.
• Charleston was led by Joonatan Salpakari and Max Nissen with 13 kills apiece as the Golden Eagles hit .280 as a team.

UP NEXT
Queens will face Ball State Thursday, Feb. 5 on the road for a 7 p.m. first-serve.

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.