Bristol, Tenn. – The King University men's volleyball team delivered a strong performance in its 2026 home opener on Friday evening, defeating Newberry College 3–1 inside the Student Center Complex. Behind an efficient offensive attack and timely defensive stands, the Tornado (1–1) earned their first win of the season, topping the Wolves (0–2) by scores of
25–20, 25–17, 23–25, 25–18.
A lively crowd of 111 fans energized the building as King controlled long stretches of the match, highlighted by a .211 team hitting percentage and 20 total blocks.
Set One: Tornado Establish Early Control
King opened the night with confidence, hitting .303 in the first frame.
Carson Pliapol and
Colton Bueter sparked the offense early, combining for 11 kills in the set. The Tornado used a 6–1 run midway through the frame to create separation and closed out the opener 25–20.
Set Two: Defense Takes Over
The second set belonged to King's block. The Tornado recorded
nine total blocks in the frame, frustrating Newberry's attackers and holding the Wolves to a negative hitting percentage. Pliapol and
Trent Benedict each added key kills, while setter Joao Pedro Ribeiro kept the offense balanced with 34 assists on the night. King cruised to a 25–17 win and a 2–0 match lead.
Set Three: Newberry Responds
Newberry showed resilience in the third, posting its best offensive set of the match with 14 kills. Preston Anderson and Lucas Nieves powered the Wolves' surge, helping them edge out a tight 25–23 win. Despite the setback, King remained composed, preparing for a decisive fourth set.
Set Four: Tornado Close the Door
King wasted no time regaining momentum. Pliapol and Benedict delivered early kills, and the Tornado block continued to dominate with five more team blocks in the frame. Freshman
Kellen Woolm provided a spark off the bench with three kills on three swings, while Ribeiro's steady setting guided King to a 25–18 clincher.
Statistical Leaders – King University
Offense
- Carson Pliapol: 16 kills, .462 hitting, 3 block assists, 18.5 points
- Colton Bueter: 12 kills, .375 hitting, 12.0 points
- Alessandro Fermani: 11 kills, 3 block assists, 12.5 points
- Trent Benedict: 8 kills, .333 hitting, 5 block assists, 10.5 points
Setting
- Joao Pedro Ribeiro: 34 assists, 5 digs, 2 block assists
Defense & Blocking
King out-blocked Newberry
20–12 and out-hit the Wolves
.211 to .028, controlling the match statistically from start to finish.
Up Next
The Tornado return to the Student Center Complex on
Saturday, January 24, hosting a doubleheader against
Lemoyne-Owen at 1 p.m. and
Catawba at 5 p.m. as they continue their early-season homestand.
