OPENING SERVE
Score: Lindenwood 3, Queens 2 (20-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-22, 13-15)
Records: Queens (6-15, 1-11 MIVA) | Lindenwood (17-3, 8-2 MIVA)
Location: Levine Center (Charlotte, N.C.)
THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team battled back from a two-set deficit to force a decisive fifth set, but ultimately fell just short in a hard-fought five-set match against Lindenwood on Saturday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Lindenwood controlled the early portion of the match, taking the first two sets behind an efficient offensive attack, hitting over .390 in both frames to build a 2-0 lead.
Queens responded with resilience in the third set, turning in its most efficient offensive performance of the match with 16 kills and no errors to hit .640 and extend the contest. The Royals carried that momentum into the fourth, using a balanced attack and key defensive plays to secure a 25-22 win and force a fifth set.
The final set featured tight play throughout, with six ties and three lead changes. Queens stayed within striking distance late, but Lindenwood edged out the 15-13 win to clinch the match.
BY THE NUMBERS
Queens finished the match hitting .304 with 58 kills, led by Chance Shampine's match-high 18 kills. Caden Ledbetter added 11 kills on an impressive .625 hitting percentage, while Carson Strawbridge and Casey Maas each chipped in nine kills.
Charlie Podgorny dished out 44 assists to guide the Royals' offense, while defensively, the Royals totaled 35 digs with contributions across the lineup.
KEY PERFORMANCES
Shampine paced the offense with 18 kills and six digs, while Ledbetter was highly efficient, committing just one error on 16 swings. Rylan Colman also made an impact at the net with three total blocks.
INSIDE THE MATCH
After struggling offensively in the first two sets, Queens found its rhythm in the middle frames, significantly improving its hitting efficiency and limiting errors. The Royals' ability to respond after the early deficit highlights the team's continued growth and competitiveness in conference play.
UP NEXT
Queens will look to bounce back and face NKU on the road next week.
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.
