Box Score Due West, S.C. – In an early matchup of conference undefeated teams, the Erskine Flying Fleet (5-1, 3-0) slipped past the Trojans of the University of Mount Olive (3-2, 3-1) 3 to 2 (25-20, 22-25, 22-25, 25-16, and 15-12) this afternoon in men's volleyball action at Belk Arena.
The Fleet stormed out to win the first set 25-20 behind four kills from junior
Omar Melendez (San Juan, P.R., Colegio San Ignalio de Loyola). Erskine broke an 8 to 8 tie to take a five point lead and never trailed again. Mount Olive pulled within two twice but each time the Fleet extended their lead back to five.
The Trojans overcame a late two point deficit to win the second set 25 to 22 and won the third set by the same score 25 to 22. The Trojan defense forced Erskine into several attack errors down the stretch to clinch the second set. With renewed confidence, UMO raced out to a five point lead to win the third set 25 to 22.
Down two sets to one, Erskine found their rhythm in the fourth set, crushing the Trojans 25 to 16 behind a .500 hitting percentage. Both
Roberto Perez Vargas (Dorado, P.R., Bayamon Military Academy) and
Mike Michelau (Trevor, WI, Westosha Central High School) had five kills each while Melendez contributed four kills.
After losing an early four point lead, Erskine overcame a late two point deficit with a 6 to 1 run to win the decisive fifth set. Trailing 11 to 9, Melendez ignited the run with a hard kill and Perez followed with three kills. Erskine scored two of their last three points on blocks, including the game winner off a block by
Mike Kawa (Debica, Poland, Elk Grove High School) and Michelau.
Perez led the Fleet on the day with a game-high 21 kills, 7 digs, and 2 blocks. Michelau posted a double-double with 16 kills and a team-high 12 kills while Melendez finished with a season-high 13 kills and 5 digs.
Peyton Schirman led the Trojans with 13 kills while teammate Andrew Sydow had 11 kills.
Erskine travels to face the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey College on Wednesday. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.
