LEBANON, Tenn.-- Cumberland men's volleyball defeats Rio Grande University 3-1 for their first win of the season. Head coach Chris Padilla picked up his first career win as the head coach of the program.

Cumberland (1-4) had a hitting percentage of .287 in their win over Rio Grande (3-8). The Red Storm hit .156 with 19 attack errors and 14 serve errors.

Luka Ilic led the Phoenix in kills with 14 while also recording a team-high seven digs. Jordan Pierce put on a passing clinic, collecting 39 assists in the win.

The Phoenix got off to a hot start in set one, going on a 5-2 run that was capped off by two Caleb Ginnings service aces. Cumberland continued to hold their lead over the Red Storm and pushed their lead out to 14-9 thanks to a kill by Kaden Kuehler. Back and forth action kept Cumberland's lead to no more than five the rest of the way until a powerful swing by Tyler Sturzoiu gave the Phoenix a 25-19 set one victory. 

The Red Storm responded in set two, putting pressure on Cumberland early. After a 5-5 start, Rio Grande went on a 7-2 run and then kept the Phoenix at bay. Rio Grande controlled the set the rest of the way and won 25-17 to tie the match at 1-1.

Set three was dominated by the Phoenix from start to finish. Cumberland started the set on a 5-1 run and then followed it up with a 5-2 run later in the set to give them a 17-8 lead. The Phoenix cruised the remainder of the set and back-to-back kills by Christian Lester helped give them a 25-15 win to go up 2-1 in the match.

Cumberland built on their momentum from set three by going on a 4-2 run. The Red Storm answered and both team were neck and neck until the Phoenix finally built a three-point cushion to go up 20-17. The Phoenix won the set on an attack error, giving them their first win of the year and giving head coach Chris Padilla his first career win.

The Phoenix will be back in action for the Campbellsville Tri match against Campbellsville University and Mt. Vernon Nazarene on February 17.