Charleston, W.Va- The Golden Eagles responded in a big way Friday morning, sweeping Queens in straight sets to earn a split in the weekend series inside the Wehrle Innovation Center.
The Basics:
Location: Charleston, W.Va. (Wehrle Innovation Center)
Score: Charleston 3, Queens 0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-22)
Records: Charleston 3-4 (0-0 EIVA) | Queens 5-2 (0-0 MIVA)
How it Happened:
Set one opened as a back-and-forth battle, with neither side able to create separation as the score remained tied through 12-12. Charleston then began to take control, building momentum and pushing its lead to as many as four points at 21-17. Queens mounted a late surge to cut the deficit to 24-22, but a final kill from Joonatan Salpakari sealed the opening set for the Golden Eagles.
The second set followed a similar script, remaining tight throughout with the score staying within two points on either side. Queens tied the set late at 23-23, but a Royals service error gave Charleston set point. Max Nissen capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a kill to close out the set and give UC a 2-0 match advantage.
Set three proved to be another nail-biter. Charleston reached double digits first, holding a slim 10-8 lead before the teams continued to trade points. Queens battled back to tie the set late at 20, but the Golden Eagles closed strong. A stellar team effort highlighted by Yotam Briger setting up Joonatan Salpakari for the final three kills propelled Charleston to a 25-22 win and secured the sweep.
Offensively
Joonatan Salpakari paced the Golden Eagles with 13 kills, while Max Nissen added 13 kills of his own. Conrad Spidsø chipped in 10 kills as Charleston recorded 39 team kills in the victory.
Defensively
Yotam Briger dished out 33 assists and added six digs. Max Nissen and Joonatan Salpakari each recorded six digs, while the Golden Eagles totaled 13 block assists as a unit.
Up Next:
Charleston returns to action on the road as the Golden Eagles travel to Wilberforce, Ohio to face Central State University Feb 3
rd 5:00 p.m.
