CLEVELAND, Ga. (January 26, 2023) – The Truett McConnell University men's volleyball team opened their 2023 season Thursday, where they faced the University of Rio Grande, inside the Harris Athletic ComplexTMU Volleyball/Wrestling Arena. The Bears battled through three sets, ultimately falling to the Red Storm 22-25, 21-25, 20-25.

PLAY-BY-PLAY
The first set saw the Red Storm with an early lead (0-2), but the Bears worked to close the gap with a kill from Alex Bosman and Kyle Gregory. The Red Storm pushed ahead with multiple strong leads, when kills from Nathan Hill and Gregory closed the margin (16-19). Kills from Bosman gave the Bears hope, but ultimately fell short in the first set (22-25). In the second set, the Bears were on top early with a service ace from Bosman (2-0). A rally from the Red Storm pushed them ahead when a kill from Wensky Saintilmond brought TMU within four (11-15). A kill from Gregory closed the second set where the Bears fell short (21-25). In the final set, the Bears were hot out of the gates with a kill from Gregory (3-2). A strong rally from the Red Storm sent them ahead, when kills from Bowman and blocks from Bosman and Adam Shuman brought TMU within three (8-11).  A service ace from Shuman, followed by blocks from Nathan Hill and Gregory closed the final set, leaving the Bears to fall (20-25).

LEADERS
Bosman and Gregory led the way with four kills, while Adams had eight digs. Shuman and Gregory recorded four blocks, while Bosman tallied two aces.

UP NEXT
The Bears are back inside the TMU Volleyball/Wrestling Arena on Saturday, January 28, for a tri-match against Milligan University and Benedict College. Match time is set for 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.