OPENING SERVE
Score: Lewis Flyers 3 | Queens Royals 2
Records: Queens (6-7, 1-5 MIVA) | Lewis (9-6, 2-3 MIVA)
Location: Levine Center (Charlotte, N.C.)

THE SHORT STORY
Queens pushed Lewis to five sets Sunday afternoon inside the Levine Center but ultimately fell 25-19, 18-25, 25-22, 27-25, 15-8. The Royals forced a decisive fifth set after rallying in the fourth, but the Flyers hit .636 in the final frame to secure the match.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Casey Maas led Queens with 16 kills on .282 hitting and added five digs and three service aces.
• Kaden Saurer contributed 12 kills and two block assists.
• Chance Shampine totaled nine kills, eight digs, and a solo block.
• Nathan Vaupel recorded six kills and four total blocks (one solo, three assists).
• Reed Shuey added five kills and two service aces.
• Charlie Podgorny dished out 38 assists with eight digs and one ace.
• Queens finished with 52 kills on .157 hitting, 9 service aces, and 12 total blocks.
• Lewis hit .274 for the match, including .636 in the fifth set.
• The contest featured 28 tie scores and 11 lead changes.

NOTABLE MOMENTS
Lewis opened the match hitting .429 in the first set to take a 25-19 lead. 

The Royals responded in the second, evening the match behind improved offensive efficiency and strong serving pressure. Queens tallied 12 kills in the frame and capitalized on Lewis errors to claim a 25-18 win.

Set three featured eight tie scores as both sides traded runs. Despite 13 Queens kills, Lewis hit .323 in the set and pulled away late for a 25-22 victory.

The fourth set was the most competitive of the afternoon, with 16 tie scores and seven lead changes. Casey Maas and Kaden Saurer powered the offense down the stretch as Queens edged out a 27-25 win to force a fifth set.

In the deciding frame, Lewis was nearly flawless offensively, recording eight kills on .636 hitting while limiting errors. The Flyers closed the match 15-8.

UP NEXT
Queens will head back out on the road to face McKendree on Friday, Feb. 27.

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.