LEBANON, TENN. - - Men's volleyball will be at home for the first time this season as they begin conference play in a match up against Saint Mary of the Woods.

The Phoenix have placed third in the River States Preseason Coaches Poll and with some big name returners like 2025 RSC Attacker of the year Joao Infante and second team all-conference Middle Blocker Francesco Corradini, head coach Chris Padilla will be hoping his team can challenge for the conference title. Last year the Phoenix went 9-7 in the conference and fell to Campbellsville in the RSC tournament semi-final.

Cumberland are currently 3-5 on the season, but will be hoping to turn the tide at home as they have a run of three games at the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena. With ten total returners, the Phoenix will carry a level of experience in conference play and will be familiar with their opponents tomorrow night. 

In their most recent match the Phoenix swept Judson University in three sets, finishing with a .379 hitting percentage and putting up 47 kills. Zendai Richards was on fire at the net with 15 kills, while Infante had 12 and chipped in with three aces as well. On the defensive end, Corradini was solid with six blocks, while Alexander Heuer and Austin Kuehler had 13 and eight digs respectively. The Phoenix held their opponents to a .240 hitting percentage. 

St. Mary of the Woods come into the game on fine form, off the back of a eight game win streak and are currently 14-1 on the season. In their most recent match up the Pomeroys swept Greenville in three sets, finishing with a .346 hitting percentage. Senior Yammiel Martinez had a successful night with 11 kills and a .643 hitting percentage, also adding in four blocks. Another returning player, Joseph Szadorski was solid, with nine digs. 

Last year St Mary of the Woods finished 26-10 and 8-8 in the conference and also fell in the Conference tournament semi final. In the pre-season coaches poll the Pomeroys came in fifth place while the Phoenix came in third so this is set to be a close contest. 

There is a short history between the two teams with St Mary of the Woods taking two wins from two, with the most recent victory being last year when they defeated the Phoenix 1-3. 

The match will start at 6:30 at the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena, catch the game live on Cumberland Sports Network.