MOUNT OLIVE, North Carolina- The University of Mount Olive men's volleyball team defeated the Division I Patriots of George Mason University 3-2 in the 2022 season and home opener. George Mason was ranked No. 15 in the AVCA preseason national poll. The Trojans last defeated Division one Saint Francis (3-0) in 2016.
GAME INFORMATION
Mount Olive fell behind from the start as the Patriots held a small 10-5 lead. The Trojans rallied off four straight points to come within one of George Mason 19-18. The two teams went back and fourth until the Patriots held off the Trojans to take set one 25-23
The second set started off point-for-point until the Patriots took two straight points 9-8 in favor of George Mason University. The match returned to going point-for-point until Mount Olive took an eight point run 20-14. This Trojan lead was too much for the Patriots as UMO took set two 25-22.
The third set started off close as George Mason started off with a two-point lead 4-2. The Patriots took a 14-8 lead pulling too far away from the Trojans. George Mason took set three 25-17.
The Trojans opened up set number four with an 9-3 lead. The Patriot offense battled back but not before UMO took the 25-23 victory to close set four.
Set five started with a 3-1 Trojan lead with two UMO kills. A three-point Mount Olive run increased their lead 11-6. UMO remained in control of set five and the match as they took the tie-breaker set 15-12 and the match 3-2.
Mount Olive Leaders
The Trojans were led by Tobi Azeez with 19 kills. Oliver Merritt added 39 assists.
Patriots Leaders
The Patriots were led by Omar Hoyos with 18 kills.
Player Comments
"It was great to get off to a good start against a strong side today. The boys fought hard and brought a lot of energy to defend our home court with a win. While we do have things to continue to work and improve on, this win is a sign of the hard work and discipline that we have trained in preseason," said senior Tobi Azeez.
Coaches Comments
"Tonight's win was a good start to the season. We were able to get a few guys some much needed game time experience and that will be beneficial as we continue throughout the season. As a whole, we haven't had the best practices this week so it's nice to see us pull out a win like that this early. I am definitely looking forward to see how we progress throughout the season but for now, we will let the boys enjoy this win," said Head Coach Ali'i Keohohou.
Up Next
The Trojans will hit the road as they take on Queens University of Charlotte on January 18th at 6:00PM.
