HIRAM, Ohio - January 20, 2026 – The Terriers had a tightly contested season opener, dropping a three-set match to Penn State Behrend inside Price Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.

Despite the straight-set loss, Hiram gave the Lions a run for their money, keeping things close by scores of 25-22, 25-23 and 25-22. First-year Liam Dwyer put in the offensive work in his collegiate debut, pulling off six kills and just two errors over 11 attempts for a .364 hitting percentage

On the defensive side, junior Dakotah Welsh finishing the evening with 18 digs and senior Collin Brooks had a solo block and two block assists.

The Penn State Behrend Lions, who have been a perennial contender in the AMCC, were able to erase a 5-point deficit in the second set and 3-point deficit in the third set to hold on for the win. Daniel Easly led all players in the game with 18 kills.

Next up, the Terriers will hit the road for a match against Wittenberg University on Saturday at 5 p.m.