REDDING, Calif. - The men's volleyball squad got back in the win column tonight as they took down Pacific Union College in straight sets, 27-25, 25-20, and 25-19. 

A first-set thriller saw five lead changes as the Red Hawks and Pioneers exchanged rallies. Simpson moved into set point territory as they held the two-point lead until the Pioneers reeled off three straight points to reverse the script. 

A huge kill by Afatia Thompson Jr. tied the game at 25 before a Pioneer error allowed Simpson to take the one-point lead. Akira Davies slammed down the set-clinching kill to give Simpson the 27-25 first set victory. 

Simpson faced a one-point deficit as they went on a crucial 12-2 run to take the commanding 21-12 lead as Thompson Jr. and Davies combined for five kills while Dehryn Brown and Ethan Rodriguez notched aces. 

The Pioneers rallied and pulled within four, but a Pioneers hitting error allowed the Red Hawks to take the 25-20 second set victory. 

The Red Hawks completed the straight set victory as Luke Konjoyan owned the final kill of the night to take the third set 25-19. 

Davies led the team with 10 kills, Ethan Rodriguez led the defense with 10 digs, and Tyce Nakamura led the team with 23 assists. 

Simpson is back in action next week, Saturday at 6 pm, for their senior night as they take on Westcliff. 


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