OPENING SERVE
Score: Queens 3 | Ohio State 2
Records: Queens (6-5 overall, 1-3 MIVA) | Ohio State (7-4 overall, 2-1 MIVA)
Location: Levine Center (Charlotte, N.C.)

THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team staged a reverse sweep Sunday afternoon inside the Levine Center, defeating No. 11 Ohio State in five sets, 22-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-20, 18-16. After falling behind two sets to none, the Royals battled back behind a balanced offensive attack and clutch play down the stretch to secure their first home MIVA victory of the season, and their first ranked victory for the program since February of 2024 (vs. No. 20 Purdue Fort Wayne).

HOW IT HAPPENED
Ohio State opened the match with a strong offensive rhythm, hitting .500 in the first set and .316 in the second to take a 2-0 lead. The Buckeyes were led by Daniel Hurley, who finished with 21 kills on the afternoon.

Queens responded in the third set, using timely defense to extend the match. The Royals gained momentum in the fourth, hitting .310 behind efficient swings from Casey Maas and Nathan Vaupel to even the contest at two sets apiece.

The fifth set featured seven tie scores as both teams traded points late. With the match knotted at 16-16, Queens delivered consecutive points to seal the 18-16 victory and complete the comeback.

COACH PELUSO COMMENTS
"Our first big signature win in the MIVA; also a statement victory over nationally ranked Ohio State didn't happen because of one swing or one player...down 0–2 in sets and 8–11 in the fifth, we didn't flinch," Head Coach Roger Peluso said. "Both sides had athletes capable of executing at the highest level, but what separated Queens in that moment was our commitment to our standard. When the pressure was highest, we didn't try to be heroic, we chose to be disciplined. That belief in our standard is what fueled the reverse sweep, and it's what defines Queens Men's Volleyball. Their willingness to buy in, to grow, and to hold themselves to that standard every single day is what made the difference. And today, it paid off."

BY THE NUMBERS

• Casey Maas led Queens with 22 kills on .405 hitting and added seven digs.
• Nathan Vaupel was highly efficient, recording eight kills on .636 hitting with four total blocks.
• Chance Shampine contributed nine kills and five digs.
• Kaden Saurer added six kills and two service aces.
• Charlie Podgorny directed the offense with 42 assists and 10 digs.
• Queens finished with a .276 team hitting percentage and 40 digs.
• Ohio State totaled 59 kills on .252 hitting and held a slight edge in service aces (7-4), while Queens finished with three total blocks in the match.

NEXT UP
The Royals will host Lewis next weekend beginning on Feb. 20. 

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.