St. Louis – Maryville University men's volleyball challenged a highly regarded Lewis squad but the Flyers prevailed 25-16, 25-19, 25-23. Victor Ganev led the Saints with seven kills, while Drew Rogers and Jayden Rookhuyzen both finished with six kills apiece. Josh Zhuchenko recorded nine digs to highlight the defensive efforts.
 
Lewis recap                                   
The Flyers were only up 12-11 after a block by Jacob Fischer and Rookhuyzen. Lewis went on an 8-1 run to stretch out its lead to 20-12. After an LU error, Rookhuyzen served an ace to pull the Saint to 20-14. A kill by Rogers followed by a block by David Fleischer and Luke Van Handel brought the Saints to 21-16 but the Flyers scored the next four points for the win.
 
A similar start to set two saw the Saints draw within one point on a kill by Ganev. The Flyers tallied five straight points to edge ahead. Maryville responded with its own 4-0 run. Ganev and Fischer had a block, and a Rogers kill pulled Maryville to within 17-15. Joe Nicometo had a kill drop to cut the Lewis lead down to 22-19 but the Flyers held on for a 2-0 edge.
 
Caden Klingbeil had a kill to knot set three at 15-15. A Lewis error gave the Saints a 16-15 advantage. The visitors went back on top but an error and a Ganev service ace handed Maryville an 18-17 lead. The Flyers tallied five straight to build a small lead. Lewis led 23-19 before the Saints scored three of the next four points. However, Maryville was unable to tie the set as Lewis held on for the 25-23 decision.
 
Statistical Leaders
Kills: Victor Ganev - 7
Hitting Percentage: Jayden Rookhuyzen - .214
Assists: Cameron Chambers - 25
Service Aces: three players - 1
Digs: Josh Zuchenko - 9
Blocks: Jacob Fischer - 4
 
Records
Maryville: 7-11
Lewis: 10-9
 
What's Next?
The Saints continue their homestand at Moloney Arena as they host UHSP for a 7 p.m. game Monday, March 6.