Royals Sweep Knights In Friday Night Matchup

ASTON, Pa. – The Royals hit the road once again, this time heading to Pennsylvania for a trio of matches in the Keystone State.

Before a doubleheader on Saturday, EMU stopped in for a matchup against the Knights of Neumann University. The Royals hit a stellar .386 for the match en route to a 3-0 (25-17, 25-11, 25-19) win over Neumann.

Records: EMU 2-2, 0-0 CVC | Neumann 0-3, 0-0 DIII Independent

Highlights

First Set

The Royals jumped out to an early lead, using kills from Ben Childers and a Nate McGhee ace, to pull ahead 5-2. The Knights fought back and took a 7-5 lead but EMU responded with a 14-4 run, highlighted by points from Walter Spurlock, Childers, McGhee and AJ Bagby to go ahead 19-11. Neumann would pull within seven but another Spurlock kill gave the Royals a 1-0 match lead.

Set Two

EMU pounced early, taking an 11-5 lead and never looking back. Later in the set, Neumann was able to pull back within six at 15-9, but EMU shut the door on a comeback, scoring seven straight with a kill from Christopher Webster, a Webster/Bagby block and a pair of aces from McGhee, to take a commanding 22-9 lead. The Royals were able to close out the set, only allowing Neumann two more points, to take a 2-0 lead.

Set Three

Once again it was the Royals jumping out to an early lead, this time 6-2, highlighted by kills from Spurlock and Webster along with a Tyler Oaks ace. Neumann climbed back in, pulling within one at 7-6 and forcing an EMU timeout. Out of the break, the Royals went on a 9-5 tilt, causing Neumann to take a timeout of their own. The Knights kept things close throughout and, late in the set, NU was able to cut their deficit to three at 22-19, but EMU closed out the set, and the match, on a 3-0 run to pick up the win.

Statistical Leaders

Spurlock – 9 kills, 1 block

McGhee – 6 kills, 4 aces

Oaks – 27 assists, 3 aces, 2 kills

What’s Next

EMU will look to carry their momentum to Saturday where they have a pair of matches. They’ll face Baruch at 2 pm before taking on Widener at 4 pm. Both matches will be played at Widener University.

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