REDDING, Calif. - The Red Hawks fell against Hope International tonight in straight sets to begin a three-game homestand. 

A kill by Diego Chavez to start the game got the Red Hawks on the board as the Royals and Red Hawks saw six lead changes for the first team to reach 10, as a kill by Dehryn Brown knotted the game at 10. 

The Royals created separation as they went on a crucial 8-3 lead to take the 18-13 advantage on five huge kills. But the Red Hawks pulled within two on a 4-1 run as Brown posted a kill and Chavez notched an ace. 

Simpson nipped at the Royals' heels as their last gasp came on a kill by Akira Davies to make it a 23-21 game before the Royals scored the final two points to take the first set. 

In a similar fashion to the first set, the Red Hawks took the 9-8 lead on a kill by Afatia Thompson Jr. However, the Royals went on a 12-4 run to claim the 20-14 lead. 

Facing set point, the Red Hawks scored three straight points on kills by Ben Stuerman and Chavez while Davies posted an ace before a service error concluded the second set in favor of the Royals, 25-20. 

Simpson gave the Royals as much as they could handle in the third set as they took the late 21-20 lead on a kill by Chavez. 

But the Royals answered with three straight points to take the 23-21 lead as they closed out the straight set victory on a kill by Alessandro Spendolini to take the third set 25-23. 

Davies led the Red Hawk hitters with eight kills to go along with a .353 hitting percentage, while Tyce Nakamura posted 16 assists at the setter spot. 

Simpson welcomes Pacific Union College on Saturday at 7 pm to continue its three-game homestand. 
 

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