ROCKLIN, Calif. - The men's volleyball squad took on DII Jessup University tonight in a midweek matchup but fell in straight sets. 

Kills by Francis Gates, Flavio Mercado, and Jacob Shelton pulled Simpson within two of the Warrior's early 7-5 lead. 

However, the Warriors dominated the first set as they went on an 18-5 run to take the opening set 25-10 to take the early match lead.

The Red Hawks drew first blood in the second set on a kill by Nathan Richards followed by an ace by Kainoa Aea to give Simpson the early 4-3 lead. 

Carlos Messer picked up three huge points as he posted two kills and a solo block to help Simpson regain the 9-7 lead. 

But the Warriors came roaring back as they went on another blistering 18-5 run to take the second set 25-14 to take the commanding 2-0 match lead. 

Kills by Aea and Mercado helped Simpson take the early 5-2 lead to begin the third set. 

Jessup gained the 7-5 lead and never looked back as they took the third set 25-16 to take the match in straight sets. 

Mercado and Gates combined for nine kills while Micah Nakasato had a team-high 12 assists to go along with eight digs. 

The Red Hawks look to be back in action this weekend as they host Pacific Union College on its senior night this Saturday at 8 pm. 
 

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