DAVENPORT, Iowa – The Warner University men’s volleyball team returned to action for their first regular season match in over a month and performed well as they went 5-3 at the Fighting Bees Classic hosted by #4 St. Ambrose University (Iowa) this weekend. The Royals evened their record to 8-8 with a 5-7 conference mark.
In their classic opener, the Royals snapped their five-game skid after defeating conference opponent St. Xavier University (3-15) 3-0 (30-26, 30-22, 30-25) to pick up their first conference win of the season. Freshmen Robert Schramm led the Royals offense with nine kills and two aces and was equally impressive on defense with four solo blocks.
Warner continued their winning ways in their next match, defeating Moody Bible Institute (0-15) 3-1 (30-15, 27-30, 30-21, 30-17). Michael Balestri led the Royals defensive stance, tallying nine digs in the four-set match.
In their final game of the night, tournament host St. Ambrose (17-4) dropped the Royals 3-0 (18-30, 17-30, 22-30). Adrian Kibsey facilitated the Royals attack, dishing 28 assists while leading the team with four digs.
On Saturday, the Royals had four matches ahead of them and finished the night going 3-1 on the day with their lone loss to #6 Lindenwood University (14-7). In the day’s opener, Warner picked up a conference win over Siena Heights University (8-10) 3-0 (30-24, 30-18, 30-17) with middle blocker Darius Shaw holding strong at the net with four blocks and added to the Royals scoring efforts with a team-high four service aces.
Warner defeated Moody Bible again on Saturday, this time without surrendering a set to Moody Bible, defeating them in three straight sets (30-22, 30-27, 30-15). Scott Donahue shined in the match, coming off the bench to lead the Royals to victory with 15 kills, one solo block, and five digs.
In the Lindenwood loss, the Royals were defeated 3-0 (23-30, 23-30, 32-34). Nick Brutus led the team in digs with 12 in the match to go along with five kills and one service ace.
Warner closed out the night with a convincing win over St. Xavier, dropping the Cougars 3-0 (30-28, 30-26, 30-28). Donahue stepped up yet again, leading the team with 12 kills and 12 digs.
The Royals played their final match of the classic Sunday, falling 3-1 (30-26, 28-30, 26-30, 27-30) to Siena Heights. Despite the loss, Kibsey dished 55 assists in the match.
Warner will return to action Thursday evening when they host Eastern Mennonite University (Va.) in a 6 p.m. match in the Turner Athletic Center.