By Paul Monson

BUENA VISTA, Va. — The Southern Virginia University men's volleyball team kept its playoff hopes alive today, as they defeated Continental Volleyball Conference opponent Rutgers-Newark 3-1 weekend action.   

The opening set went back and forth most of the way until the Knights (16-7, 7-4 CVC) managed to pull ahead at the very end taking the game 25-22.

The second game was all Southern Virginia, as the Knights hit 41.7% and crushed Rutgers-Newark (17-7, 7-5 CVC) 25-15. The Knights took their foot off the gas a bit in set three, and the Scarlet Raiders were able to battle and steal the game 27-25.

The Knights made a couple of runs in the fourth set, but Rutgers-Newark continued to make it close, keeping it within reach the entire fourth set. Despite the surges, the Knights were able to hold on and took game four 25-22.

Cougar Clark was the leading attacker for the Knights, as he finished the game with 20 kills, one shy of his season high. Setter Kaipo Tagaloa, also had a huge game, dishing out 51 assists and 7 digs in the win. Colby Wilson and Danny Aina also played big roles as Wilson finished the game with 12 kills and Aina with 16 digs.

The Knights will play their final regular season game Saturday, April 7 as they play host to the Cougars of Kean University. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Knight Sports Arena.