Five-Set Thriller for the Eagles Against Webber

David Finney

Waleska, GA - The Eagles were coming off a big three-set win against Warner on Friday night and they were ready to take on a tough and talented Webber Iinternational University team from Florida. The Eagles are still trying to develop an identity and find themselves as a team, but in a short period, they have shown tons of progress and leaders are emerging.

Coach Goodhind has assembled a talented and high-spirited group of young men that - so far - are shocking opponents with their abilities, skills, and refusal to give up. This was the case on Saturday morning when the Eagles welcomed Webber University to The Brown Athletic Center. 

Each Set would be a close one with these two competitive teams. Set one would need to Webber to get to 27 before winning 27-25. Set two would go to Webber as well as the Eagles had to play catchup most of the set eventually losing 25-21. Many teams would have packed it in for the day after going down two sets, however, the Eagles had no quit in them as the two teams bantered back in forth. The intensity and competitiveness between the two were on display and at times was very heated.

Coach Goodhind's crew buckled down and fought back against the two-set lead taking the third set 25-19 forcing a game three. Chase Cross and Victor Pacheco were firing away with 19 and 17 kills respectively. Cross would end up with a .378 hitting average also getting 7 digs and 2 aces. It was a solid morning for Mr. Cross shutting down Webber when the Eagles need him.

Other leaders have emerged as well for the Eagles. Bruno Dewes always has a solid game and had 54 assists and 10 digs against Webber. Matthew Corrales is a much-needed spark and emotional leader that comes off the bench to support the Eagles. Corrales had 8 kills, 1 ace, and 6 digs. Most of his kills came when a Webber run needed to be shut down.

In the fourth set, the Eagles would hold off a Webber team that was ready to get back on the road to Florida with a win behind them, but Reinhardt would not let them go so easily. Christian Deleon had a great set helping Reinhardt to hang on against Webber. Deleon ended with 9 kills with a .462 hitting average and also had 2 digs. Ricardo Mujica would lead the team in digs at 22. The Eagles would go ahead to win the close fourth set 25-23.  This would create a final fifth set with both teams tied at 2 sets apiece.

The fifth set would have all the intensity and passion of the previous four.  The gym was packed with fans for the Eagles cheering them on to pull out this final deciding match.  As all the others had gone, this match would be close all the way through and would need extra points until finally, Webber was able to get the two-point advantage, 19-17, and take the victory.

Coach Goodhind had this to say about the matchup and his team, "If you told me we would go 5 with Webber, I would have probably laughed and said you're crazy. They are more experienced and after the last few years, it's set up for them to have a very good season. Down 0-2 and our team just stayed the course as we continue to learn our strengths and weaknesses. Super proud of the effort by our guys as they fought back into the match to tie it up 2-2 in sets! Played a good 5th set and had opportunities to grab control but couldn't. Again guys stayed in the fight and battled all the way holding off multiple match points by (RV) Webber until they finally closed it out 17-19 in the 5th set!

Today was a big deal, as we should lose in 3 to teams like Webber. I feel like our guys are showing they are a team to be respected and will have opportunities to make some noise this season.

Even in a loss I'm so thankful to God and want to give Him all the Honor and Glory".

There is no time to rest for the Eagles Volleyball as they will be back in action on Monday evening versus the Bruins of Carolina University at The Brown Athletic Center.