Bristol, Tenn. — King University returned to the Student Center Complex on Tuesday evening for a nonconference matchup against Lincoln Memorial but was unable to slow down a balanced and efficient Railsplitter squad, falling 3–0 (25–19, 26–24, 25–18). The Tornado battled through long rallies and produced strong stretches in the second and third sets, but LMU's offensive rhythm and late-set execution proved too much to overcome. King drops to 4–16 overall and remains 0–9 in Conference Carolinas play, while Lincoln Memorial improves to 12–6 (2–0 DI Independent).
Set One: Railsplitters Take Early Control
Lincoln Memorial established momentum early, using efficient attacking and steady ball control to build separation.
- Johan Negron powered LMU with four early kills on his way to a 10-kill performance.
- The Railsplitters hit .296 as a team in the opening frame.
- King posted nine kills but committed five errors, limiting its ability to sustain runs.
- LMU closed the set 25–19.
Set Two: King Pushes Back
The Tornado delivered their strongest stretch of the match in the second set, producing six ties and two lead changes.
- Carson Pliapol sparked the offense with aggressive swings, finishing with 10 kills.
- Joao Pedro Ribeiro distributed the ball effectively, recording 26 assists.
- Dalton Claiborne added timely kills on the pin to keep King within striking distance.
- King held late leads, but LMU's blocking unit tightened in the final points. A narrow 26–24 decision gave the Railsplitters a 2–0 advantage.
Set Three: LMU Closes the Door
King continued to battle in the third set, staying close early behind improved attacking.
- LMU surged offensively, hitting .556 in the final frame.
- George Stevens delivered nine kills on .421 hitting, while Marnix Van Megesen added eight kills at a .615 clip.
- King posted nine kills in the set but could not slow LMU's mid-set run.
- The Railsplitters secured the sweep with a 25–18 win.
Lincoln Memorial's Balanced Attack Leads the Way
The Railsplitters hit .337 as a team and showcased depth across the lineup:
| Player |
Stat Line |
| Johan Negron |
10 kills, .273 hitting, 7 digs, 11.0 points |
| George Stevens |
9 kills, .421 hitting, 3 digs, 9.0 points |
| Marnix Van Megesen |
8 kills, .615 hitting, 1 ace, 10.0 points |
| Inbar Shachar |
33 assists, 9 digs |
| Jordan Dyer |
6 kills, .333 hitting, 3 digs |
LMU finished with 41 kills, 46 digs, and seven total blocks, controlling the net throughout the match.
King Statistical Leaders
King totaled 28 kills, 34 digs, and three service aces.
Up Next
King travels to Mount Olive, N.C., on Friday, March 27 for a 7:00 p.m. matchup against the University of Mount Olive, looking to regroup and challenge the Trojans on the road.
