Tigerville, SC - First year head coach Matthew McManaway recorded his first win as a head coach with a 3-0 shutout of the Queens University Royals this afternoon at Hayes Gymnasium. The two teams started off strong, committing just one error each in the opening set. However, NGU was able to maintain a small but manageable lead throughout the set, going on to win it 25-21. A strong start to the second set would see the Crusaders hold a comfortable lead throughout. Queens would put together a fight, but NGU would take set two comfortable 25-19. Set three proved to be the most competitive of the match as both teams struggled with service errors. Trailing by six, the Royals put together a 4-1 run late to draw within three, but a kill by Emanuel Adames would put an end to the comeback, securing NGU's season-opening win.

Key Stat: Kills - The Crusaders outperformed Queens in all three sets in kills, leading the category 43-31.

Results

• Score: NGU 3 / QU 0
• Location: Hayes Gymnasium / Tigerville, SC
• Records: NGU 1-0 / QU 0-1

Individual

• Michael de la Cruz posted eleven kills, two digs, and a block assist.
• Emanuel Adames also put together a strong performance, finishing with ten kills and two block assists.
• Diego Rosich provided eight kills, seven digs, two solo blocks, and two service aces.

Upcoming

• The Crusaders will face the Pioneers of Tusculum University on Thursday, January 19th in Tigerville.