HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker men's volleyball team will host a tri-match on Friday (Mar. 21) against Belmont Abbey College and Rutgers-Newark University. Match one of the tri-match will feature Coker against Belmont Abbey, followed by Belmont Abbey versus Rutgers-Newark and will conclude with Coker taking on Rutgers-Newark. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Timberlake-Lawton Gymnasium with live stats available at www.cokercobras.com.
The Cobras are coming off a 3-1 win over Alderson-Broaddus University in their most recent contest and are led offensively by Artur Cabral. Cabral leads the Navy and Yellow with 173 kills and is second on the team with 23 service aces. Luke Hansen and Jared Geizer have also been offensive weapons for Coker with 167 and 163 kills, respectively. On the season Ricardo Ferrer has 740 assists, 144 digs and 23 service aces to lead the Cobras in all three categories. Leshon Alexander is the team leader in blocks with 47.
Belmont Abbey comes to Coker with a 3-20 overall record following its 3-0 loss to Limestone College. Spencer Fournell leads the Crusaders with 144 kills, while Derek Sullivan tops the team in assists with 474 helpers. Johnny Gomez has racked up 205 digs and Dustin Buell has 52 blocks to lead Belmont Abbey defensively.
The Scarlet Raiders come to Hartsville winners of their last match and sport a 5-9 overall record. Travis Mintzer leads the team with 101 kills and Kevin McCandless is the leading helper with 347 assists. Defensively, Jack Fredricks and Brett Pickens lead the Scarlet Raiders with 77 digs and 51 blocks, respectively.
Tickets for Friday's match can be purchased at the door for $5 dollars for adults, $3 dollars for students, and are free to all Coker students, faculty, and staff.
Release written by Coker sports information intern, Sara Allen.
Tri-Match Schedule:
Friday, Mar. 21.
Coker v. Belmont Abbey – 2 p.m.
Belmont Abbey v. Rutgers-Newark – 4 p.m.
Coker v. Rutgers-Newark – 6 p.m.