DALLAS, Pa. – The Elmira College men's volleyball team traveled to Misericordia to face Drew College on the first day of the Cougar Kickoff Classic. After three tight sets, the Soaring Eagles fell short 26-24, 25-17, and 25-23. 

In set one, the Soaring Eagles were first to hit the board with a kill from Dylan Vargas. A 4-0 run put EC ahead 7-4, featuring a kill from Ethan Davenport. The Rangers quickly retaliated with a 4-0 run of their own to steal the lead. Back-and-forth action saw both teams neck-and-neck until a 4-0 run from EC tied the set at 19 all. EC jumped ahead by two before a late run from the Rangers saw EC drop set one, 26-24. 

In set two, Drew took the early advantage over Elmira. EC quickly responded with a kill from Gabriel Staron to spark the back-and-forth action. The Rangers quickly separated themselves with a pair of 3-0 runs followed by a trio of 2-0 runs to run away with set two, 25-17. In the third set, Elmira looked to take a set starting with a kill from Drake Connors. Kills from Dylan Vargas and Caden Sims pushed EC ahead until the Rangers sparked a pair of points. A 3-0 run saw Quinn Donahue with a service ace to propel ahead of Drew. The Rangers quickly snuck up on the Soaring Eagles with a pair of 3-0 runs and consecutive kills to close the set, seeing Elmira drop the match 25-23. 

LEADERS
Jata led the way offensively with 11 kills in the match followed by Staron with nine and Vargas with eight. Nick Rohman tallied 21 assists and four digs for the Soaring Eagles.

UP NEXT
The Soaring Eagles will return to action tomorrow Saturday, January 24 for the second day of the Cougar Kickoff Classic. EC will face Thiel College at 11 AM and Messiah University at 3 PM.