Harrison Lilley

Staff Writer

hjl5363@psu.edu

BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – In a thrilling non-conference match on Friday night, the Penn State Behrend men’s volleyball team secured a significant victory over Geneva, ending with a scoreline of 3-1. The win marked a pivotal moment for the Lions, who have struggled earlier in the season, bringing their record to 2-8, while Geneva now stands at 9-6.

The match, characterized by high tension and remarkable comebacks, saw the Lions initially trailing after losing the first set 22-25. However, in a display of resilience and skill, they bounced back to win three consecutive sets with scores of 25-20, 25-20, and 25-19, showcasing their determination and team spirit.

Key moments in the match included a notable performance by the Lions, who hit a season-best .360, outmatching Geneva with a 53-41 advantage in kills. The tension was palpable when the teams were tied at 22 in the first set, but Thiel capitalized on a service error, followed by a kill and an ace, giving them a 1-0 lead.

However, Behrend quickly turned the tables in the second set. Taking an early five-point lead, they maintained their dominance and won the set by the same margin, equalizing the match at 1-all. The third set saw a service ace by Joshua Elegeer and two crucial kills in the final moments, propelling the Lions to a 2-1 lead with a 25-20 win.