MARIETTA, GA. - - Cumberland Men's Volleyball started the 2025 season on the road against Life University.

Both teams opened tonight, with no prior matches to give us an indication of potential results. Life University is historically a tough component, beating the Phoenix 3-1 last season. A new addition to the team, Joao Infante was Cumberland's leading scorer for the match, totaling 17 kills.

The Phoenix made an outstanding first impression in set one of tonight's match with two kills coming from Kaden Kuehler and Joao Infante. Infante continued to lead the set offensively with a total of 7 kills. The Running Eagles made a large amount of unforced errors, which did not help their slow start. Throughout the set Cumberland never let up and continued to push the lead further. A stuff block by Sam Mannebach and Franceso Corradini followed by a massive kill from Infante pushed the Phoenix to a 25-13 win.

Moving into set two, Life picked up their intensity to match Cumberland's and the teams stayed within 2 points of one another throughout the majority of the game. Despite the two timeouts called by LU in the final points of the game, the Phoenix couldn't be stopped. Infante remained Cumberland's offensive leader, providing 6 more kills in the second set. 

Moving into set three, the Phoenix carried all the momentum, but Life didn't let up their fight. Just as the last set, the teams remained neck and neck. Where one team gained a point, the other team closely followed.

Both teams produced a much higher number of attacking errors compared to the previous sets. Chance Gallardo was able to limit his errors, hitting an impressive .538. Since the two teams carry such a high and comparative amount of talent, things like unforced errors ultimately play a huge role in the results of the match. The Phoenix played clean, smart, and aggressive leading them to a 1-0 start to the season.

The Phoenix will take on Reinhardt in Waleska, Georgia tomorrow night, completing their time on the road this week.