Eagles Fall In Fifth Set Match To Conclude Pilot Invite

Mishawaka, IN - In an exhilarating non-conference volleyball contest held in Mishawaka, Indiana, on February 1, 2025, the Judson University Eagles were edged out by the Cumberland Phoenix in a tightly contested five-set match. The final score stood at Judson University 2, Cumberland (TN) 3, marking a hard-fought battle for the Eagles against a formidable opponent.

The match was the third of three at the Bethel Pilot Invite across Friday and Saturday. On Friday, JU fell to Bethel 3-1, and earlier on Saturday, fell to Lawrence Tech 3-0. 

The match kicked off with the Eagles falling short in the first set 19-25 but bounced back vigorously to claim the second and fourth sets with scores of 25-20 and 25-23, respectively. Despite their efforts, Cumberland's relentless pursuit paid off as they secured the third and the critical fifth set, clinching the match with a close 25-22 and 16-14 finish. The pivotal fifth set was a nail-biter, ultimately tipping in favor of Cumberland as they sealed their victory with a final score of 16-14.

Top performances from the Eagles' lineup included Mason Snodgrass, who led with 19 kills, closely followed by Oracio Martinez and Grant Shipley, both contributing 11 kills each. Judson also showcased strong defense with Jacob Smith securing a remarkable 6 block assists and Gabriel Menchaca adding 9 block assists. The defensive plays extended to the backcourt where Elijah Wrobel tallied 14 digs, supported by Snodgrass and Jackson Otto with 8 digs each.

Despite the loss, the Eagles displayed commendable team dynamics and skill. Key serving contributions saw Snodgrass delivering a notable 4 aces, while Martinez added two key aces. Notably, Wrobel also contributed impressively with 43 assists, maintaining the offensive pressure throughout the sets.

Looking forward, the Eagles await their next challenge against Mount Mercy on February 4, 2025, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As they prepare, Judson University holds a current record of 2 wins and 3 losses, aiming to leverage their experiences from this close encounter to strengthen their play in upcoming games.