By Gabe Wagner
The Southern Virginia University men’s volleyball team has had a season defined by success, finishing regular season play at 18–3. Despite falling short in the conference championship, the Knights received an at-large bid that qualified them for the national tournament, making this the program’s third consecutive trip to the national championship.
On Friday, April 15, the sixth seed Knights took on the tenth seed St. Joseph’s (L.I) in a battle to make it to the next round of the playoffs. The Knights came out on top as they took an 8–1 lead in the first set (courtesy of Christian Sheaffer’s serving). As the Knights continued to outscore the Eagles, they finished the set winning 25–16.
As the second set started, the Knights found themselves trailing behind the Eagles 11–16, fighting back within two points, ultimately falling 19–25.
In the third set, the Knights once again trailed, by a large deficit at 10–19. The Knights remained down (but not out) as they battled to reach a score of 22–21. After the Knights finally got their lead, a referring error gave the eagles a crucial point,ending the set at a loss for the Knights at 23–25.
In the final set of the game, the Knights found themselves in a familiar position as they trailed behind the Eagles. The Knights, however, were unable to come within reach of victory. The season ended in heartbreak for the Knights, who worked tirelessly all season. Despite this loss, the team remains hopeful as they prepare for next year.
Knight’s Men’s Volleyball Comes to a Heartbreaking End was originally published in The Herald on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.