GILBERT, Ariz. -- The Park University Men's Volleyball team used a strong block and solid defense to sweep their home triangular today, beating Simpson University 3-0 and Arizona Christian 3-1. With the wins, the Buccaneers move to 4-6 on the season as they are about to embark on a four-game California road trip.
Game 1 - Park Gilbert 3, Simpson 0
The Buccaneers jumped out early and never looked back winning the first set 25-14. The Redhawks provided some resistance in set two giving the Bucs a scare before they pulled out the set 25-22. The third set went similarly to the first with the Buccaneers winning handily 25-17. Andrew Libby continued his hot play, leading the Bucs in kills with eight and hitting .500 for the match. Trent Williams and Xander Thesz added six kills each and they also had two and four block assists respectively. Kale Rubin had 11 digs to pace the Bucs defensively.
Game 3 - Park Gilbert 3, Arizona Christian 1
The last time the Bucs met up with the Firestorm, they cruised to a 3-0 win at Arizona Christian. ACU was determined to not let things go as smoothly for Park Gilbert this time around. The Firestorm came out fast in set one taking the momentum of their first win of the season in the previous match with Simpson and trying hard to make it two in a row against the Buccaneers. ACU won a hard-fought game one 26-24 and Park Gilbert knew they had a fight on their hands. it carried over to set two where a back and forth battle took place the Bucs were able to pull away at the end 25-20. Libby's four kills paced the Buccaneers in set two.
Set three was even closer and it seemed as though the winner of this set might win the match. ACU held a lead in the match down the stretch until Park Gilbert was able to turn the tide to pull out the set by the slimmest of margins 25-22. Libby and Williams each had three kills in the set but the tide was turned on the defensive end as the Buccaneers had six blocks in the frame which provided sufficient momentum offensively ACU had more kills than the Bucs in this set, but the blocks made the difference.
After the heartbreaking third set loss, the wind seemed to exit the sails of the Firestorm as they had 10 attack errors to only two for Park Gilbert. As the Buccaneers cruised home with 25-15 final frame win to end the match.
"ACU has some athletes over there," said Bucs head coach Clay Webb. "They are going to be tough as the years progress. Chuck (ACU head coach Chuck Hunter) is doing a great job of preparing them for competition."
Park Gilbert now hits the road for four matches in California. They start at Vanguard University (6-3) on Thursday, Feb. 20 before traveling to Hope International (5-6) the next day and then have another Triangular next Saturday Feb. 22 at Westcliff University against Westcliff (4-4) and Saint Katherine (2-10).
