Box Score MALIBU, Calif. - The Eagles started their 2021 season on the road against No. 7 Pepperdine. This was the first Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) match-up for men's volleyball since last March. The Waves defeated the Eagles in five sets tonight with scores: 25-23, 20-25, 25-18, 17-25, 5-15.

Raymond Barsemian led the Eagles with 21 kills, 10 digs, and two blocks on the night. Jordan Hoppe was right behind with 13 kills and no errors with a .317 hitting percentage. Middles Jesper Schut and Gil Herold came up big at the net defensively with a combined seven block and nine kills. Both Blake Omartian and Addison Enriques stepped onto the court in the libero position tonight with Enriques collecting 11 digs. McLain Mott dished out 34 assists and 12 digs while Christian Oviedo had six assists.

The first set was a close one as the score continued to toggle back and forth with a lead change three times. The Eagles were able to come out on top with the win. 

The Waves answered back in the second taking an early 9-15 lead. CUI was able to go on a three point run with help from Herold and his two blocks at the net. The run forced Pepperdine to take their final timeout in the set. Concordia was able to close on the gap a little and lose by five in the second set 20-25. 

The Eagles took control in the third set with back-to-back blocks from Barsemian and Herold to force the Waves to take a timeout with an 11-8 lead. Green and gold were able to keep their momentum until the end of the set to take a commanding win. Once again, Pepperdine answered back in the fourth set, jumping out with an early lead and not letting up; taking the Eagles to a fifth and final set. The Waves were able to close out the match in the fifth set winning 5-15. 

The Eagles will host Pepperdine this Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. and be the first home match this season. 

For the CUI 2021 men's volleyball schedule, click HERE.