JAMESTOWN, N.D. - The men's volleyball squad concluded play in the Jamestown Invitational yesterday as they took on the host school, University of Jamestown.

Simpson came out firing as they jumped on the Jimmies to take the early 5-0 lead on kills by Tyrus Cloat, Kaleb Cui, and Akira Davies. 

Simpson created some separation as they reeled off three straight points on two kills by Francis Gates and an ace by Micah Nakasato to take a 15-10 lead. 

However, the Jimmies rallied back as they scored four unanswered points to pull within two, 17-15. 

But the Red Hawks held off the Jimmies rally as they took the first set 25-21 to take the 1-0 match lead. 

However, the Jimmies started to heat up as they took the second set 25-19 to tie the game and followed it up with a convincing 25-15 third-set victory to take the match lead. 

The Red Hawks did not go quietly as they exchanged rallies with the Jimmies in the fourth set that saw the host school narrowly edge the Red Hawks 25-22 for the match victory, 3-1. 

Akira Davies and Tyrus Cloat notched a team-high 13 kills each and a combined 15 digs. 

Gates had a huge game as he posted 11 kills to go along with a .474 hitting percentage and two blocks. 

Nakasato had another solid game as he picked up 36 assists, one block, one ace, and eight digs. 

Simpson looks to bounce back as they host Hope International on Wednesday at 7 pm. 
 

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