The Park University Gilber men's volleyball team dropped its final two games at the Rio Grande Invitational in Rio Grande, Ohio today to fall to 0-5 on the season. Despite the losses, the young Buccaneer squad had some impressive moments and showed promise as they continue to play through the season.

Game 1 – Oakland City 3, Park Gilbert 0

The Bucs fell in three sets to Oakland City 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-20). The Bucs had 38 kills for the game compared to 55 for the Mighty Oaks.  But their kills total is double what the team averaged a year ago in most matches and as this young group continues to improve the results should reflect that as well.

Dominic Smith continues to impress as he led the team with 10 kills and hit .381. David Shafer had six kills and three blocks, Emilio Feliciano had six kills and hit .231 while freshman Aiden Wankier led the squad with 15 assists.

As a team the Bucs hit .120 which was a season high as the cut down on their attack (20) and serve (8) errors.

Game 2 – Bluefield (VA) 3, Park Gilbert 0

Facing maybe its toughest opponent of the weekend, the Bucs lost in three tough sets to Bluefield 3-0 (28-30, 23-25, 13-25).

The Bucs battled the Rams into extra time in the first set after trailing 20-14, the Bucs went on a 10-2 run to have two set points before Bluefield would tie it. The Bucs earned two more set point chances but a Bluefield kill and a Park serve error erased those chances. Bluefield finally converted on their third opportunity to close out the set.

The second set almost mirrored the first as the Bucs fell behind 19-11 before making a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to one. But the Bucs could not get the tying or go ahead points in this set and lost 25-23.

Bluefield took the momentum of winning the first two sets and won the third set easily to close out the match.

Freshman Azzlyn Potts led the team with eight kills and three aces. Dominic Smith had seven kills and hit .200.

Freshman Kaleb Blackstock (4) and graduate Xander Thesz (3) led the team in blocks.

The Bucs trip to Ohio is not yet complete. The Bucs finish the road trip tomorrow against Lourdes University who is receiving votes in the latest NAIA Coaches Poll. The match starts at 12 p.m. Arizona time.