The Park University Gilbert men's volleyball team fell this afternoon to No. 14 Hope International 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-14). After a solid performance against the No. 1 team in the nation last night, the Bucs (1-9, 0-2) level dropped a smidge against its third ranked opponent in three matches.

Hope International (9-4, 1-1) was coming off of a loss at No. 9 Benedictine Mesa last night and was looking to get back on track.  They did not give the Bucs much room for error and played excellent defense and made it difficult for the Bucs to build much momentum.

Both teams had 75 attack attempts but Hope had 34 kills to just 21 for the Bucs. HIU also had 33 digs which kept the Bucs offense at bay and the Royal transitioned it into points for themselves.

Graduate opposite Xander Thesz only playing in his third match this season due to injury led the team with 11 kills. Freshman outside hitter Dominic Smith had seven kills as he moved over 100 kills for the season.

The Bucs now return to action on Wednesday, March 12 as they host their fourth ranked opponent in a row as they take on No. 8 Benedictine Mesa at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz. at 6 p.m.