HARRISONBURG, Virginia - March 4, 2023 - Hiram took a break from its AMCC schedule and took a trip to Virginia this weekend, falling short in 4 sets to Eastern Mennonite on Saturday afternoon: 21-25, 25-21, 15-25, 14-25.

It was the 2nd all-time matchup between the two programs; the Terriers beat the Royals in straight sets last season on February 5, 2022.

Kyle Martini led the way with a team-high 14 kills, while Jarod Leynes pitched in a career-high 10 kills. Those two players also led the roster with 11 and 7 digs respectively, while Matthew Albano had 31 assists and 6 digs.

Hiram jumped out to a 12-10 lead in the first set, with Martini recording 3 kills and 1 block during that span. Eastern Mennonite answered with 7 kills throughout the remainder of the set, pulling ahead 23-18 before closing it out, 25-21.

The Terriers got back on the right track in the second set, with the team scoring 6 unanswered points – 5 of which came with Albano serving – to take an early 7-4 advantage. They would lead for the remainder of the set and eventually even the match.

The Royals took control in the final two sets thanks to the play of David Ward (15 kills in full game) and Nate McGhee (10 kills). Leynes notched 5 kills in the third set and Martini tallied 2 kills in the fourth set, but the effort ended in a non-conference loss.

Hiram will next play Maranatha Baptist and Adrian on Saturday, March 11 in Adrian, Michigan beginning at 12 p.m.