ALLIANCE, Ohio - January 21, 2025 - Hiram couldn't get over the hump against one of the better teams in Division III men's volleyball on Tuesday evening, as the Terriers lost in three sets to Mount Union at Timken Gymnasium: 25-18, 25-19, 25-21.

The Terriers got better as the match progressed, recording a match-high 15 kills in the third set and holding the Purple Raiders to their lowest hitting percentage in that same set (.219). Mount Union ultimately prevailed, though, improving its record to 5-3 – which includes a win over the No. 3 team in the country (California Lutheran) and a four-set loss to the No. 14 team (Misericordia) – this season.

Hiram was led by senior Derek Chiang, the reigning PAC Offensive Player of the Week, who had team-bests in kills (13) and digs (eight). Seniors Kyle Martini and Jackson Deubner had a combined 17 kills, while Matthew Albano continued to do the setting with 29 assists.

The match was much closer than the final score would indicate, with Hiram within striking distance in the later stages of each set. The Terriers trailed 16-14 in the first set, 23-19 in the second set and had a 17-17 tie in the third set.

The Purple Raiders did just enough in those critical moments of each set to pull away from the win, with Jack McClure (14 kills), Michael Bowler (nine), Cameron Weeg (six) and Will Heeney (five) spearheading the host's offense. Bowler particularly stood out, with his nine kills being paired with zero attack errors.

Hiram will get six days away from match action before jumping back into non-conference play next Tuesday against Penn State Behrend. The non-conference affair is slated for a 7 p.m. start in Erie, PA.