BRIDGEWATER, Va. (BC Athletics) – The Bridgewater College men’s volleyball team fell to Roanoke in four sets at home Wednesday night.

Score: Roanoke (ROA) 3, Bridgewater (BC) 1
Records: BC (5-23, 2-11), ROA (17-7, 10-2)

How It Happened
• The Eagles fought tough, extended long rallies, and even forced a fourth set. However, the Maroons had the answer to every punch BC gave them in a close conference battle. In the opening set, ROA used early offensive runs to take hold of the momentum for the rest of the set. With consistent pressure to start, the Maroons then jumped out to a strong 11-0 run for a 23-8 advantage. ROA surged the rest of the way for a 25-9 set score.
• Although the Eagles came back ready to challenge the Maroons with a quick first point, ROA found the answers quickly on the offensive side of the ball. A burst of four straight points put the eagles at a distance and had to climb back from a deficit throughout the set. The Maroons converted on set plays effectively and pressured the BC attack to come up with aggressive strikes. Aiden Weaver buried a kill and Connor Cayer followed suit to land a strong blow, but the Maroons steadily ramped up the offense and closed out the set, 25-15.
• In the third set, the Eagles went head-to-head with the Maroons responding to each scoring rally. ROA pushed out to a 3-0 run, and BC answered with a three-point surge. Soon after, Cayer ignited a five-point scoring rally to punch a 12-9 lead, adding pressure to the ROA blockers. The Maroons attempted a late surge in the set, but BC held strong to claim the third set, 25-23.
• Both teams traded scoring runs to start the set. Weaver capitalized on strong sets made by Tomi Visgaitis to stay within reach of the Maroons. A late four-point put the Eagles at a seven-point deficit, and struggled to gain a comeback, despite strong willed efforts made by Weaver with three straight kills. ROA held still to close out the match with a final set score of 25-20.

Match Notes
• Aiden Weaver posted the match high in kills with 16 strikes.
• Tomi Visgaitis contributed to the offensive strategy with 30 assists.
• The Eagles outdid the Maroons in the third set with 15 kills to eight for Roanoke.
• Bridgewater faced 28 attack errors of 37 successful attacks. Both teams tied with 114 total attacking attempts.

Up Next
The Eagles are back in action on Saturday, March 28 on the road to face Va. Wesleyan at 2 p.m.

— BC Athletics —