BUENA VISTA, Va. - Behind the deafening noise inside Knight Arena, the Southern Virginia University men's volleyball team came out on top in their home opener, defeating Randolph-Macon in four sets.

The Knights were able to get out in front early during the opening two frames, mounting leads that the Yellow Jackets were unable to overcome.

Tommy Forese made his presence known with several powerful swings, as was Brady Dastrup with a couple of high-flying kills from the back row.

Junior captain Gehrig Tolman guided the attack at setter, but also joined in on the fun for some kills of his own. At set point in the second, a floater from Mitchell Barney found the opposing floor as the Knights took a 2-0 lead after sets of 25-17 and 25-21.

The visitors got one back in the third, leading from start to finish, but Southern Virginia returned the favor in an exciting fourth and potential final frame.

Tolman led the way in the end, recording an ace and then combining with Nathan Mitchell on a block to clinch the match after four consecutive points.

Tolman's line included 38 assists, 8 kills, and 4 blocks, while Tommy Forese led the attack with 12 kills. Jason Wang was steady and tallied 8 kills after hitting .455, only Tolman's mark better.  

Looking Ahead

The Knights will remain at home to host their first and only tri-match of the season this Friday, January 23rd. 

At 3:00 PM, they'll face a familiar foe in Lancaster Bible, a team they defeated twice a season ago, followed by a contest with Bridgewater at 7:00 PM.   

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightmvolleyball on Instagram.