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Cumberland University

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Men's Volleyball

Men’s Volleyball hit the Road for two Conference Games

LEBANON, TENN. - - Men's volleyball are looking to make it four wins on the bounce and pick up two more conference victories on the road as they face the University of Rio Grande and Indiana University East.

Cumberland came into the game with a 5-7 overall record and are 1-2 in conference play. The Phoenix have picked up some momentum in recent matches beating their two previous opponents Brescia and Mount Vernon. Fridays game has been selected as the River States Match of the Week so is set to be an exciting encounter.

In the most recent match up against Mount Vernon, one key factor in Cumberland's victory was limiting the number of errors, the Phoenix only had 12 attack errors across four sets while their opponents had 24. Last week's NAIA Attacker of the Week Joao Infante continued to drive the Phoenix forward as he hit 22 kills with a .452 hitting percentage. Infante also leads the conference in kills per set. Nage Hendrickson also had an impressive night with nine kills and a .471 hitting percentage. Senior middle blocker Francesco Corradini currently leads the nation in blocks per set averaging 1.60. 

Cumberlands first opponents come into the match 8-5 in the season and 1-3 in conference play. In their most recent match the Red Storm fell in three straight sets to No.15 Georgetown College. 

Daniel Rivas led Rio Grande in attack with 15 kills, the Sophomore is averaging 3.69 kills per set which puts him third in the conference. While Camilo Murillo and Thomas Lhoste both chipped in with five each. From the service line Camilo Murillo has also been impressive with 36 on the season, the Sophomore also leads the conference in service aces per set. On the defensive end Samael Beltran leads the Red Storm in blocks with 20. Rio Grande will be hoping these players can really drive the team forward to pick up their second conference win.

In all time history the Phoenix have dominated the Red Storm with an 8-0 record. The most recent match up between the two teams ended in a 3-1 victory for Cumberland on the road. CU will be looking to keep that perfect record intact, while Rio Grande will try to turn the tide and get their first victory against the Phoenix.

In their second game of the weekend the Phoenix will face Indiana University East in Richmond, Indiana. The Red Wolves come into the game 5-2 on the season and are 3-1 in conference play. In their most recent match IU East defeated Rio Grande 3-1.

Arthur Barreto had an impressive night with 13 kills and a .320 hitting percentage. Barreto currently sits fourth in the conference on kills per set having played five less games than third place. The Senior is also second in the conference in service aces per set. Wyatt King also chipped in with 12 kills, while Francis Rivera Agosto helped out with 15 digs. 

There has been a short history between the two sides with both claiming one win. The most recent match went the full five sets with the Red Wolves taking victory. Cumberland will be looking to get their revenge and take the win on Saturday afternoon. 

Catch both games live on Prestosports with Fridays starting at 6PM CT and Saturdays set to begin at 12PM CT.
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Players Mentioned

Francesco Corradini

#21 Francesco Corradini

MB
6' 2"
Graduate Student
Nage Hendrickson

#20 Nage Hendrickson

OH
6' 2"
Senior
Joao Infante

#11 Joao Infante

OH
6' 5"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Francesco Corradini

#21 Francesco Corradini

6' 2"
Graduate Student
MB
Nage Hendrickson

#20 Nage Hendrickson

6' 2"
Senior
OH
Joao Infante

#11 Joao Infante

6' 5"
Senior
OH