INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Men's volleyball opened up its inaugural season this past weekend with a 2-2 record in the Preseason Fall Tournament at the Academy Club.
 
The program started out on the right foot as Campbellsville claimed their first match (25-21, 26-24) against the University of Charleston. Rafael Cruz took off for the Tigers with a total of nine kills over the two sets. Noel Camello promoted the defense with 14 digs in the first set and eight in the second. Cruz proved to be versatile, collecting a total of 18 digs for the set.
 
The Tigers suffered their first loss to Mt. St. Joseph's University in a 2-0 sweep, 25-15 and 25-16. Bryce Johnson led Campbellsville in kills in both sets with three in the first and four in the second. Camello and Cruz continued to drive the defense totaling 18 and 23 apiece for both sets.
 
Campbellsville picked up another win in their third match, 2-1, against Trinity Christian College. Cruz and Adam Conklin managed 12 and 10 kills, respectively over the course of the match. The Tigers' conquered the first set (25-20), but offensive struggles in the second cost them the set (16-25) with a mere hitting percentage of 0.115. CU repealed with a 0.448 hitting percentage in the third set to win the set (15-12) and match.
 
The inaugural tournament was completed with a 2-2 record after the Tigers fell to Cincinnati Christian University in their last contest (24-26, 25-15, 11-15). Cruz continued to propel the defensive side with 27 digs, followed by Camello with 21 for the match. Campbellsville posted seven service aces in the first two sets, and a 0.392 hitting percentange in the second, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Eagles.

Tiger volleyball will begin regular season play with a home match against Cincinnati Christian University on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. in Powell Athletic Center.