REDDING, Calif. - The men's volleyball team took on Hope International tonight in a nonconference match-up.

Before tonight's game, the Red Hawks were 2-0 on the season against the Royals as they defeated them twice earlier in the season. 

The Royals started quickly as they grabbed the early 6-0 lead before an attacking error put Simpson on the board. 

But the Royals had it going as they dominated the first set and won convincingly 25-9 to take the 1-0 match lead. 

The Royals opened the second set with a 2-0 lead before Simpson tied the game 2-2 on a kill by Nathan Richards and an attacking error by Hope. 

Simpson created some separation as they scored four unanswered points to grab the 12-7 lead with kills by Thomas Saunders and Flavio Mercado.

The Red Hawks extended its largest lead of the night to eight as they benefited from back-to-back kills from Richards and a kill by Mercado to grab the 18-10 lead. 



Richards put the finishing touches on set two as he slammed down the final kill to take the set and tie the match 1-1. 

Simpson looked to carry the momentum into the third set as they drew first blood on a Richards kill to grab the early lead. 

A huge kill by Akira Davies helped pull Simpson within one 17-16 in set number three. 

But the Royals created some breathing room with three straight points to grab the 20-16 lead. 

Back-to-back kills by Richards and Mercado pulled Simpson within two points, 20-18. But the Royals fended off the Red Hawks late push and took the third set 25-21. 

With its backs against the wall, Simpson looked to push the game into a deciding fifth set.

The Royals doubled up Simpson early as they grabbed the 10-5 lead. 

But the Red Hawks reeled off five straight points and tied the game 10-10 with the help of Hope's miscues.

However, the Royals answered back and went on a 9-2 run to grab the commanding 22-14 lead. 

Some unfortunate luck, the Royals scored on three straight service aces that fell in after hitting the tape. 

Simpson could not overcome the deficit and dropped set four 25-16. 
 

?? Final Score ??

Men's Volleyball ????

?? Hope International University

3-1 pic.twitter.com/2bYmP51f0x

— Simpson Red Hawks (@SimpsonRedHawks) March 15, 2024

Nathan Richards had a team-high 15 kills to go along with two aces and one total block. 

David Raffaelli and Jayden Minarcik combined for 31 assists as they shared rotations.

Simpson looks to bounce back as they begin the second round of conference play this weekend against UC Merced at 5 PM.