OPENING SERVE
Score: Northern Kentucky 3, Queens 0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-21)
Records: Queens (6-17, 1-13 MIVA) | Northern Kentucky (5-14, 2-10 MIVA)
Location: Regents Hall (Highland Heights, Ky.)

THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team battled in each set but ultimately fell in straight sets on the road at Northern Kentucky Saturday morning. Despite keeping things close throughout the match, the Royals were unable to capitalize late in sets as the Norse secured the sweep.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Set one saw Queens jump out early before Northern Kentucky responded, with the two sides trading points down the stretch. The Royals held things tight, but the Norse edged out a 25-23 win.
• In the second, Queens again stayed within striking distance, using balanced offense to keep pace. However, a late push from Northern Kentucky created separation as the home team took the set 25-21.
• The third set followed a similar script, with multiple ties and lead changes. Queens hit its best percentage of the match in the frame, but Northern Kentucky closed strong to secure the 25-21 win and the match.

BY THE NUMBERS
Queens hit .206 as a team with 36 kills, led by Casey Maas who posted 11 kills and a .296 hitting percentage. Chance Shampine added seven kills and a team-high 12 digs, while Rylan Colman contributed six kills and three blocks. Reed Shuey chipped in five kills and four blocks, and setter Charlie Podgorny dished out 26 assists with six digs.

Northern Kentucky was paced by Will McElveen's 13 kills, while Adam Blair and Griffin Wheatley added nine kills each. The Norse hit .282 as a team and totaled 40 kills in the match.

INSIDE THE MATCH
Queens remained competitive throughout, recording 12 tie scores and five lead changes, but could not overcome Northern Kentucky's efficiency in key moments. The Royals improved their hitting percentage in each set, including a .243 mark in the third, but the Norse answered with their most efficient set of the match to close it out.

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.