IRVINE, Calif. – The Park University Gilbert men's volleyball team finished their four-game road trip with a hard fought 3-1 (25-27, 26-24, 25-23, 25-21) win over Westcliff University (?-?) this morning. With the win the Buccaneers move to 6-8 on the season and finished their four-match road trip at 2-2.
In set one, the Bucs trailed by six late in the frame before making a run to tie it late, but they were unable to get back all the way and lost a tough 27-25 decision. The Bucs did this despite hitting in negative numbers (-.069) in the set with only four kills.
Set two saw Park Gilbert turn its hitting woes around as they had 14 kills and hit .355. This set was another barn burner as the Warriors had 15 kills and hit .367 themselves. The Bucs ultimately were able to pull out in the end 26-24.
Set three was just as close with both teams exchanging kills and side outs. The Buccaneers had 13 kills for the set and the Warriors had 15 kills again. But again, the Bucs made the key plays when it mattered and took the set 25-23.
In the fourth set, both teams hitting percentage fell off, but the Bucs managed a couple of important kills in key spots to secure victory. Middle blocker Seth Golleher led the Bucs with 12 kills followed by Trent Williams with 10. Golleher, the reigning Attacker of the Week in the Cal Pac hit .346. Two-time Cal Pac Setter of the Week Kye Heaton 37 assists and seven digs. Freshman Libero Kale Rubin had a season and career high 21 digs on the day to lead all players.
Up next, the Bucs return home for a rematch against this same Westcliff team at "The Nest" next Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. Arizona time.
