Warriors Too Strong For Eagles in 3-0 Loss

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – Webber International (Fla.) came away victorious Saturday afternoon following its clean sweep of Reinhardt in three sets – 16-25, 21-25, 22-25 – as the Warriors handed the Eagles their first loss of the year in Mid-South Conference (MSC) play.

The hometown team (4-4, 3-1 MSC) was guided by Victor Pacheco, who was the only Reinhardt player to hit double figures in kills in the matchup at 11 and a .200 hitting percentage. Matthew Corrales was next with eight scoring attacks.

"Today was not the result we wanted, but it does present us with a great chance to learn," lead Eagle CJ Shearer said. "As a coach, it's my job to make sure the team is not just prepared physically, but mentally also. Today, I feel most of our early miscues were mental, and that's on me to be better for the guys. They fought hard after a slow start and left themselves out there.

"Ultimately, it's a match we hope to look on and realize how much we learned from it. Everything goes to God, and we look forward to our matches next week."

Ten errors in the first stanza spelled doom for the Eagles, as Webber International took full advantage and cruised to a 1-0 lead while holding its host to a negative hitting percentage. Set two was better offensively for Reinhardt, but also the Warriors, as the two squads battled it out to the very end.

The visitors would come alive late in the second game to net four of the last five tallies to escape with a 25-21 decision and a 2-0 overall mark.

The Eagles started fast and continued to play strong in the third set, even after Webber International came from behind and regained the lead after trailing for the majority of the stanza. Reinhardt was able to go all-square on numerous occasions (as late at 20-20), but the Warriors were able to score five of the next seven to wrap up the outing.

Ricardo Mujica had 24 assists in defeat.

The club now has a few days off to get ready for Midway (Ky.) in Marietta on Feb. 26.

First serve is set for 10 a.m. 

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