PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill.-- Despite Jacob Whyte's impressive performance with 42 kills over the two matches, the Cumberland men's volleyball team concluded their regular season with back-to-back four-set losses.
Vs. Olivet Nazarene 

The Phoenix had a slow offensive start to the afternoon. Despite a strong performance in the first set, Cumberland's attackers faced difficulties throughout the match, resulting in a total of 24 attacking errors, more than double those of their opponents, which ultimately impacted their ability to stay competitive.

Jacob Whyte did much of the heavy lifting for Cumberland's front row, totaling 21 kills on .370% attacking. Kix Ferrell also made significant contributions with 11 kills and ten digs, while Caleb Ginnings led the defensive effort with 15 digs.

The first set saw the teams trading points closely, leading to a 22-22 tie. A kill from Olivet Nazarene put them in front, but the next three points were all CU with a trio of swings that earned them the 25-23 win. The Phoenix ended the set with 13 kills, limiting their errors for .300% attacking.

In the second set, after a 5-5 tie, Olivet Nazarene gained momentum with a 5-2 run. However, Cumberland fought back with kills from Whyte and Ferrell, as well as an ace from Nage Hendrickson, leveling the score at 10-10.

Despite their efforts, Cumberland struggled to maintain their momentum, allowing the Tigers to build a lead of up to five points. The Tigers protected their lead to a 25-22 win, finishing with back-to-back kills.

The Tigers carried their energy into the third frame for a 15-8 lead as Cumberland struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Facing this seven point disadvantage, the Phoenix managed to cut it to three with a 4-0 run, during which Ferrell connected on a pair of swings.

Despite this spurt, Olivet Nazarene remained a step ahead of the Phoenix, ending the set with 16 kills with just one attacking error for a 25-19 win.

In the final set, Olivet Nazarene once again took an early lead of 12-6 as Cumberland still struggled to find their offensive footing. Despite a brief resurgence from the Phoenix with a 4-0 run, the Tigers capitalized on five consecutive attacking errors from Cumberland, ultimately securing a 25-20 win to clinch the match.



Vs. Trinity Christian

Jacob Whyte delivered another standout performance in Cumberland's second game of the day, tallying 21 of Cumberland's 46 kills with an impressive attack percentage of .417%. 
 
In the first set, the teams were neck and neck, reaching a 10-10 tie before the Trolls went on a 6-0 run, forcing Cumberland to call a timeout. After the break, Cumberland responded with three quick points, including kills from Whyte and Hendrickson. The teams continued to rally, leading to a 22-22 tie, but the Trolls ultimately secured a 25-23 win.

In the second set, the Trolls broke a 13-13 tie with four consecutive points, extending their lead over the Phoenix. They maintained this advantage with strong attacking, finishing the set with a .400 team attack percentage and winning 25-21.

Facing the possibility of a sweep, the Phoenix mounted a comeback in the third set to force a fourth. Trinity Christian struggled offensively in this set, and despite initially leading 11-8, they couldn't maintain momentum against the Phoenix.

Cumberland capitalized on this weakened offense, tying the match at 17-17 and ultimately winning 25-22, with their final three points coming from Trinity Christian's mistakes.

In the fourth set, the Phoenix started strong with an 8-3 run to have the advantage. They maintained a lead of at least two points throughout the set until the Trolls rallied to tie the score at 24-24. 

Trinity Christian reached set point three times, but the Phoenix fought back each time. However, with two final kills, the Trolls secured the set and the match with a score of 29-27.

The Mid-South Conference men's volleyball tournament will begin next Thursday, April 18 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. More information about the tournament will be provided soon.