Reinhardt Puts a Bow on 2021 in Kentucky

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Eagles left it all out on the men's volleyball court in Kentucky Friday night as the 2021 season came to a close against Midway (Ky.) in the Mid-South Conference (MSC) Consolation Bracket of the MSC Championship.

The hometown team (12-12) didn't go down without a fight, either, as it fought to the very last point in a five-set thriller against the visiting Eagles, 25-23, 20-25, 23-25, 25-23, 7-15.

"Great fight by the guys tonight as they had a ton of fun in a match where we got to look at some things," head coach CJ Shearer said. "Obviously, it's never fun to end the season on a loss, but to me, this has been a great season for this program. We took major steps forward in our culture and it showed on the court. Through all the ups and downs of a season the guys persevered and battled on. I have so much respect for this team battling through a full season in a pandemic and doing what was needed to make it to then end.

"The future is bright for all these young men. I especially want to thank our seniors once again for all the work they did to help us get this program off the ground. Everything goes to God, and we look forward to training in our offseason."

Both teams took advantage of the final match of the year on a neutral floor, as each squad grabbed momentum from the other and tried to take control of the outcome. The hometown group was able to make just enough plays to hold off Midway in the opening set by two, 25-23, but the visiting Eagles rebounded nicely with a five-point win in stanza two, 25-20.

Once again, each program had multiple chances to take game three, but it was Midway who escaped and jumped on top for the first time at 2-1 following a 25-23 score. Roles were reversed in set four, as Reinhardt stayed alive for one more deciding stanza following another tight score of 25-23 – the third of the conference battle on the night.

The visiting Eagles on the scoreboard were able string together their best volleyball in the right moment as they flew to victory in set five by eight at 15-7.

Chase Cross shined in the season finale with 13 kills (.478), seven digs and an ace. Victor Pacheco – three aces – was also in double figures as well with 11 kills.

Ricardo Mujica (24 assists, 8 digs and 3 aces) and Jake Pennypacker (16 assists) combined for 40 of the 43 dimes on offense.

The page now turns to preparations for 2022.

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