The Virginia Wesleyan men's volleyball team (9-4, 2-2 ODAC) improved in conference play, overcoming Averett in straight sets.
Matthew Sheppard led the Marlins with 12 points; he had nine kills, three assists, one service ace, four block assists, and five digs.
Carlyle Campbell had a strong showing with 9.5 points and a .455 hitting percentage, tallying seven kills, one service ace, three block assists, and two digs.
The first set remained close with VWU and Averett tying three times three the 3-3 mark. Then, the Marlins went onto score an impressive seven straight points to lead 10-3. The Marlins continued their success as they achieved a 19-10 lead, but the Cougars managed to score six straight points. The Marlins responded with three points in a row to lead 22-15; but Averett fought back, winning the five of the next six points. VWU led narrowly 23-20 and won the next two points to claim the first set 25-20.
The Marlins dominated the second set, winning eight of the first nine points. Averett managed to win three of the next four points, but their comeback was short-lived. VWU dropped only four points throughout the remainder of the set, winning it decisively 25-8.
To begin the third set, VWU and Averett were evenly paced, tying at 6-6, until the Marlins went on a 3-0 run and gained a 9-6 lead. Averett fought back with their own run to tie the game at 9-9. VWU won the next five points, but Averett stayed within reach as they won six of the next nine points and inching just one point away from the Marlins. VWU responded, outscoring Averett 6-2 to lead 22-18. The Marlins went on to win the final set 25-21.
