ELGIN, Ill. - The Rockford University men's volleyball team (1-7) fell in straight sets to host Judson University (11-2) in its first of four matches at the Judson University Invitational. Although the score may not fully indicate it, Rockford played well against a very tough Judson team. Rockford dropped the opening set 25-13, before giving Judson all it could handle in the second and third sets. Unfortunately, it was the Eagles who edged past the Regents 25-22 and 25-20 in the second and third sets to win the match.
- The first set of the match went back and forth in the opening moments with neither team leading by more than three points.
- With Judson clinging to a 10-8 lead, the Eagles went on an 8-1 run to take an 18-9 lead and seize control of the opening set.
- Rockford was able to get back within eight on three separate occasions, but the Eagles ultimately closed the set with four straight points en route to a 25-13 win.
- The second set was the tightest of the day and came down to a difference of just a few points in the closing moments.
- The Regents jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead thanks in part to a pair of Connor McNear kills.
- Judson responded right back with a 3-0 spurt to take its first lead of the set at 4-3.
- The teams continued to trade points until the Eagles used a 5-1 run to grab a 13-8 advantage.
- Judson would build its lead up to as many as six, before Rockford made a ferocious comeback down the stretch.
- With Rockford trailing 21-16, the Regents were able to get all the way back within two points at 24-22. Josh Albers and Jose Padron led the Regent charge with two kills each over that stretch.
- Unfortunately, it was not enough, as the Eagles recorded the final point to win the set and take a 2-0 lead.
- The third set got off to a rocky start with Rockford falling behind 7-2.
- However, Rockford answered right back with a 5-2 run of its own to make it just a 9-7 game. Connor McNear led the way for the Regents during the run with a kill and a service ace.
- Unfortunately, that would be as close as the Regents would get over the remainder of the set. Judson quickly extended its lead to six at 14-8 on the heels of 4-0 run, before extending it to a set-high eight at 22-14.
- However, the Regents would not go away without a fight. Rockford responded with a 6-1 run of its own to pull back within three at 23-20. Josh Albers tallied a service ace and a kill, while Nathan Vana had a kill over that span.
- Rockford's rally came up just short though, as the Eagles scored the final two points to win the set 25-20 and the match 3-0.
The RU men's volleyball team returns to the court at 6:30 PM to face Roosevelt University in the Judson University Invitational.
