ANGOLA, Indiana – Baldwin Wallace University men's volleyball made history against Trine (Ind.) University on Saturday, competing in its first two matches in program history. The Yellow Jackets fell 3-0 in the first match to Trine and 3-1 in the second.
The Yellow Jackets (0-2, 0-2 MCVL) played in several close sets across both matches, including two sets that required more than 25 points to win, but were only able to break through in one against the Thunder (2-0, 2-0 MCVL).
Michael Beard (Hilliard/Darby) was the star of the weekend, recording 26 kills and 28.0 total points, while Nick Irelan (Powell/Olentangy Liberty) tallied 21 kills over the two matches, including 14 in the first match. Freshman setter Brandon Long (Hinckley/Metea Valley [Ill.]) recorded the first double-double in program history with 33 assists and 10 digs in the home-and-home finale.
Beard registered the first point in Baldwin Wallace men's volleyball history, recording a kill to tie the match at 1-1. The Yellow Jackets rode palpable energy to an early 13-9 lead in the first set, behind three kills from Irelan. However, the Thunder were able to keep pace for much of the match, tying it at 17-17. Following a set point for BW, Trine was able to record three straight points and take the first set 26-24.
The Thunder came out aggressively in the second set, scoring five straight points to begin the set. They extended that lead to 17-9 and only expanded the lead from there, taking the second set 25-14.
The Yellow Jackets showed tremendous fight in the third set, even after falling behind 14-9. Beard and freshman Don Travis (Reynoldsburg) delivered key points to keep the set close and for the second time, reached a 24-24 tie. However, the Thunder secured the final two points to take the opening match 3-0.
In the finale, the Yellow Jackets dealt with another good start from the Thunder, falling behind 19-8. While Trine ultimately took the opening set 25-16, the Yellow Jackets outscored Trine 6-4 at the end of the set, building positive momentum for the second.
After a back-and-forth between the two teams, the Yellow Jackets found a lead and hung on, going on a 12-5 run to end the set and taking the first set in program history 25-17. Travis sealed the deal on an emphatic kill in the middle of the court, making history for BW men's volleyball.
Ultimately, Trine proved to be a difficult adversary, taking the final two sets 25-21 and 25-20. Despite a furious comeback attempt in the fourth set after being down 11, the Yellow Jackets fell a tad short of completing it. Irelan and Chris Moehl (Oceanside, Calif./El Camino) proved important in the final set, showing leadership and tenacity.
The Yellow Jackets will return to action on Saturday, February 6 with their first home matches in program history, facing off against Olivet (Mich.) College. The Yellow Jackets will serve it up against the Comets at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
