St. Louis – The Maryville University men's volleyball team bounced back from its first loss in a month by cruising past Clarke University 30-28, 25-22. 25-19. Makai Scott led the way with 16 kills, while Luke Van Handel added 10 kills and six digs. Zac Clark led the defense with eight digs. Ethan Beyreis-Heim handed out 19 assists.
 
Clarke recap
The Saints trailed for most of the first set and still were down 21-15 before roaring back. A Clarke service error kicked off a 7-0 run for the Saints. Scott keyed the burst with four kills, and his final pushed the Saints on top 22-21. The Pride rallied and earned a set point but the Saints saved it. The teams traded points but a Scott kill and a solo block by David Fleisher capped the comeback at 30-28.
 
In the second set, Maryville scored three straight points to grab a 22-18 margin but the Pride answered with their own 3-0 run. A Clarke error and a Van Handel kill gave the Saints a 24-21 lead. The Pride scored one point but Van Handel drilled a kill for a 25-22 win.
 
Tied at 4-4 in the third set, the Saints reeled off a 5-1 run. Clarke committed two errors, and Jayden Rookhuyzen served two aces. An ace by Scott gave Maryville a 9-5 margin. The Saints tacked on another 5-1 burst as Van Handel had two kills, and an error by Clarke put the lead at 15-9. The Pride scored four straight and closed to within 21-19. However, the Saints ended the match with four straight points, capped by consecutive blocks by David Fleischer and Victor Ganev.
 
Statistical Leaders
Kills: Luke Makai Scott - 16
Hitting Percentage: Luke Van Handel - .350
Assists: Ethan Beyreis-Heim  - 19
Service Aces: Jayden Rookhuyzen - 2
Digs: Zac Clark - 8
Blocks: David Fleischer - 5
 
Records
Maryville: 18-4
Clarke: 5-13
 
What's Next?
The Saints are next in action Tuesday, March 19, when they host Fontbonne for a 7 p.m. match in Moloney Arena.