CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – As conference play heats up, the Tigers added another victory to their record, defeating the University of Rio Grande in four sets at Gosser Gymnasium in the heart of CU's campus.
The Tigers started strong in the first set, scoring the opening three points before the Red Storm responded quickly. With the score tied at 8-8, Rio Grande proved efficient at the service line, tallying three aces in the set. Campbellsville fought back late, cutting the deficit to one. Mason McKinney delivered a crucial kill to keep the Tigers within reach, followed by an explosive kill from Ayoube Hamadache to tie it up. Campbellsville secured the first set 26-24 in a tightly contested battle.
The Tigers' offense found its rhythm in the second set, starting with a kill from John Marcos Gonzalez. Both teams went back and forth, tied at 10-10, before Campbellsville made a strong push to take a four-point lead. Hamadache and McKinney led the way with all momentum on their side with five and four kills, respectively. The Tigers controlled the rest of the set, claiming a 25-17 victory.
Determined to stay alive, Rio Grande came out aggressive in the third set, scoring the first two points. The serve and serve-receive game became a struggle for Campbellsville, making it difficult to gain momentum. Despite their grit and determination, the Tigers couldn't close the gap, falling 25-18 as Rio Grande forced a fourth set.
Campbellsville bounced back in the fourth set, taking an early three-point lead. The Tigers extended their advantage to four with strong performances from Andrew Ovalle and Pedro Zavatini. However, Rio Grande refused to go away, cutting the lead down to one. Just as the Red Storm looked to rally, Denzel Madrigal came up clutch with back-to-back kills, followed by an ace to close the match. The Tigers claimed the fourth set 25-23, securing another conference win.
Campbellsville will continue River States Conference play at home on Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST against Brescia University.
- Campbellsville's defense held Rio Grande to a .198 hitting percentage, while the Tigers posted an impressive .301.
- Mason McKinney recorded 11 kills, while John Marcos Gonzalez notched a season-high 13.
