HUNTINGDON, Pa. — The No. 11 Southern Virginia University men's volleyball team wrapped up their first day of competition at the Juniata Invitational, falling to No. 15 Stevenson in three sets 25-22, 25-21, 25-22. 

Nahuel Recabarren led the way for the Knights (2-2), collecting 14 kills on 29 total attempts with a .310 hitting average along with a team-high five digs. Kaipo Tagaloa dished out 31 assists, and McKay Walker dominated at the net with a game-high three blocks. 

The first set of the match featured back and forth action between the two teams with eight ties. The Mustangs (3-1) had the upper hand during the first set, only giving up the lead twice at the beginning of the set.

Stevenson took the early 1-0 lead in the match after scoring the final three points in the set off of a kill from Nate Reynolds, an attacking error from Southern Virginia University, and a service ace. 

After falling behind 3-2 at the beginning of the second set, the Knights used a 7-2 run ignited by a kill from Recabarren to go up 9-5. After a few exchanged points at 11-7, Stevenson used a five-point run of their own to take their first lead of the set 12-11.

The Knights answered right back with another 7-2 run to go up 18-14 with kills from Recabarren, Walker, and Mark Stapley.  The remainder of the set was all Stevenson with the Mustangs closing the set out with an 11-3 run to take the second set 25-21 and going up 2-0 in the match. 

The third set picked up where the second set left off with Stevenson locking down an early 6-1 lead. The Knights collected themselves and responded with a 12-3 run initiated off a Tyler McCreadie kill to go up 13-9. Both teams collected four points apiece, making the score 17-13 before the mustangs scored four consecutive points to tie the set at 17. Southern Virginia University and Stevenson continued to trade points until the score reached 22-22. The Mustangs capitalized on three final errors from the Knights, completing the sweep. 

Southern Virginia University will continue play at the Juniata Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 25, taking on No. 1 New Paltz at 12:30 p.m. in the Off the Block Game of the Week.