LANGHORNE, Pa.– Eastern University Men's Volleyball dropped a tight three-set decision at in a non-league match at Cairn University. The host Highlanders (4-8) took advantage of early Eastern errors before delivering 16 kills in a close third set. 

How It Happened:
The Eagles (6-5) fell behind in the opening set as the Highlanders used a solid block and steady defense to force Eastern into 13 hitting errors int he opening set. With Cairn earning five blocks, the Eagles hit -.045 in dropping the opening set 25-19.  Cairn hit .286 but only had nine kills in claiming the second set by a 25-16 margin. 

The Eagles showed life in a very competitive third set. Both teams picked up numerous balls that looked to be down in the frame. Despite having to jumble the lineup with injury, Eastern led 13-9. After the teams traded sideouts, Cairn put together a five-point run for a 15-14 lead. 

Cairn built a 22-18 lead before the Eagles rallied with Darren Lopez at the service line. That rally, however, fell short and the Highlanders delivered kills on the final three points and earned a 25-21 win.

Foster Lobb (13 kills) and Darren Lopez (12 kills and 13 digs) led the Eagles on offense. Trey Miller finished with 11 digs and Justin Flor delivered 23 assists. As the HIghlanders seemed to pick up every block, the Eagles did not register a block for a point in the match. 

Coach Syracuse says:
"We played poorly for the first two sets and they played as good a match as they could. Cairn played with a passion and energy we didn't match, and they earned a 3-0 win."

"I hope this becomes a wakeup call  for the direction we need to move. We needed needed better execution and better coaching and got neither tonight." 

Up Next:
The Eagles have a week to recover before traveling to Immaculata next Wednesday. and returning to the league at Wilkes next Thursday.