FAIRFIELD, CT- The Merrimack men's volleyball team claimed victory against the Sacred Heart Pioneers 3-1 in a road match up on the evening of February 1st.
Rapid Recap
Score: Merrimack 3, Sacred Heart 1
Records: Merrimack 2-3, Sacred Heart 3-1
How it Happened
The first set was a back-and-forth tilt from both squads. Kills from Kai Vogel, Kasen Owens, and Ephraim Abhulime would keep the Warriors in the match. However, the Pioneers were able to take control and maintain it throughout the opening set. Despite this, the Warriors would battle back and make an attempt at winning the first frame. However, it would be a late push from the Pioneers that would win them the first set 25-20.
The second set would see another back-and-forth battle in the beginning. The Warriors would find tier stride and get out in front halfway through the frame. The team would use this momentum to stay ahead throughout the set. Dallas Birkenbeuel would provide some reinforcements to help the Warriors get to the 25 mark. A surge from Chris U'Glay and Kasen Owens would be the deciding factor, giving the blue and gold an emphatic 25-19 win in set 2.
The third set would see an early lead from the Warriors, going up as much as 6-2. Kills from Dallas Birkenbeuel and Kasen Owens would be instrumental in getting the team this early advantage. The team would further solidify their lead with an attack from Ephraim Abhulime, allowing them to pull out in front. Reece Lindstrom would take a break from his usual assisting duties and provide a kill of his own to give the Warriors a 10-5 lead halfway through the set. The blue and gold would ride this momentum all the way to the end of the set. Blocks from Kasen Owens, Ephraim Abhulime, and Dallas Birkenbeuel would be major parts of the 25-20 set victory that the Warriors would go on to claim.
The Warriors would start the fourth set behind, but would power back courtesy of Dallas Birkenbeuel. The blue and gold would even take the lead halfway through the fourth set after being down early. The Chicago native would provide a service ace and another line of kills to give the Warriors the advantage. It would be Ephraim Abhulime ending the match with an electric attack to give Merrimack a Saturday night victory in Fairfield, CT.
Notes and Numbers
Up Next
The men's volleyball team plays their first home match of the year against AIC on February 7th. The contest is set for 7PM at Hammel Court. It will be streamed on the Merrimack Sports Network. The link to watch can be found on the men's volleyball schedule. Come out and support the Warriors!
For continuing coverage of Merrimack Athletics, visit merrimackathletics.com and follow the men's volleyball team on Instagram @merrimackmvb
