VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Wilkes men's volleyball team closed out their Virginia Beach trip falling to Virginia Wesleyan University three sets to one, Saturday morning  at the TowneBank Arena.

After today's match, Wilkes falls to a 2-4 overall record while the Marlins improve to a 3-0 overall record.

The Colonels opened the match by claiming the first three points of set one, but the momentum quickly shifted as Virginia Wesleyan responded with a 9-2 run to take control. Wilkes was unable to recover, and the Marlins closed out the opening set with a 25-17 victory. Virginia Wesleyan carried its momentum into set two and made quick work of the Colonels, securing a decisive 25-12 victory to take a two-set lead. 

Refusing to surrender another set, the Colonels came out aggressive in the third, building an early 10-6 lead behind three kills from Aidan Hunter (Sinking Spring, PA/Wilson). Virginia Wesleyan answered with a brief 5-2 run to even the score at 11, but Wilkes regained control down the stretch, pulling ahead by two at 20-18 before closing out the set with a 25-22 victory.

Virginia Wesleyan struck first in set four, and after the opening seven points, Wilkes trimmed the deficit to one (8-7) behind two kills from Aaron Ladd (Souderton, PA/Pennridge). The Marlins responded with a 10-4 run to extend their advantage to 18-11, and although the Colonels continued to battle late, Virginia Wesleyan closed out the set 25-18 to secure the match.

The Colonels were paced by Hunter who recorded 10 kills on the night with Aiden Amon (Pittstown, NJ/North Hunterdon) just behind with seven kills. Logan Maha (Sayville, NY/Sayville) controlled the night with three blocks, while Josh Conley controlled the passing game with 26 assists. Hunter also locked down the defense recording eight digs on the night. 

Virginia Wesleyan's JaMarhe Wills controlled the offense with 21 kills while also leading the team in service aces with three. Ajaye Davis led the team in assists with 47 while Siah Hall recorded a team-high 12 digs. 

Wilkes returns to the court on Tuesday, Jan. 27, where they welcome Penn State Schuylkill to the Marts Center with first serve set for 7:00 p.m.