IMMACULATA, Pa. - The Immaculata University men's volleyball team concluded its three-game homestand against Eastern Mennonite Saturday night in Alumnae Hall, dropping a straight-set decision to the Royals. The Macs played a tough first set to open the night, but the Royals were able to ride the momentum from the opening set win through the conclusion of the Continental Volleyball Conference (CVC) matchup.

Garrett Pepper led the Macs with five kills and tied for the team-high with Bryce Wiltbank in blocks with two, Donte Ramos added four assists in the effort. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
-The Macs came out strong in the opening set Saturday night, taking an early 5-2 lead thanks to a 4-0 run with Francis Masino serving. The Royals battled back with a 5-0 run of their own to take their first lead of the night, but the Macs responded quickly to get within one at 11-10 on a Ramos kill.
-The two sides alternated points in the middle stages of the set as the Macs and Royals were deadlocked at 15-all, but the visitors won the final ten points of the set consecutively to take a 25-15 victory.
-The Macs fell behind early in the second set as the Royals earned 14 of the first 16 points to take the second set, 25-8.
-Pepper and Wiltbank each recorded kills in the third set, but the Macs were ultimately unable to overcome some untimely errors allowing the Royals to take the third and final set, 25-11.

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
-Kills: Pepper 5
-Blocks: Pepper/Wiltbank 2
-Assists: Ramos 4, Masino 3
-Digs: Geller 5, Masino/Pepper 3

UP NEXT
Immaculata (0-6) heads south Friday to take on Randolph-Macon before wrapping up the weekend Saturday at Marymount.