Davenport, Iowa. - - Cumberland men's volleyball battled through five competitive sets Thursday night but came up just short in a tight 3-2 loss to Saint Ambrose (20-25, 25-15, 25-22, 23-25, 14-16).

The Phoenix posted strong offensive balance, led by Zendai Richards with a team-high kill total, while Joao Infante and Francesco Corradini provided consistent production at the pins and in the middle. Austin Kuehler guided the offense with efficient distribution, and Nage Hendrickson contributed key kills and service pressure as Cumberland recorded multiple momentum-shifting runs throughout the match.

Saint Ambrose controlled the opening set behind steady side-out play and late-point execution, pulling away to take a 25-20 advantage. Cumberland responded quickly in the second, jumping out early as Richards and Infante found rhythm offensively. The Phoenix never trailed in the frame, closing strong at the net to secure a convincing 25-15 win.

The third set remained tight early before Cumberland created separation during the middle portion. Corradini and Hendrickson delivered timely swings, while Frederick Amegbletor added presence at the net as the Phoenix held off a late SAU push to claim the set 25-22 and take a 2-1 match lead.

Both teams traded runs throughout the fourth set. Cumberland built small leads behind balanced attacking, but Saint Ambrose answered late with a strong finish to edge the Phoenix 25-23 and force a deciding fifth set.

The final frame featured extended rallies and constant lead changes. Cumberland stayed within striking distance behind clutch swings from Richards and Infante, but Saint Ambrose converted late opportunities to escape with a narrow 16-14 victory.

Cumberland will look to bounce back tomorrow as they play Mount Mercy University and Culver Stockton College to round out the Fighting Bee Invitational.