ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's volleyball team defeated the University of Valley Forge in straight sets, 3-0, on Thursday evenings. Set scores were 25-12, 25-9 and 25-18.
 
Josiah Melendez tallied 14 kills and a .440 hitting percentage. Eric Van Horn and TJ McConnell each added seven kills. Jules Maiorano handed out 31 assists. Christian Johnson notched nine digs while Brandon Baskerville added eight digs and four service aces.
 
The Knights jumped quickly to an 8-1 lead in the first set. A kill by Van Horn sealed the set one 25-12 win. Neumann steadily built its lead throughout the second set. Leading 13-6, Joe Saxton served the Knights to a 21-6 lead. Saxton tallied three service aces in the run. A kill by Melendez gave Neumann the 25-9 set two win.
 
The first part of set three went back and forth. With the Patriots leading 12-11, a Melendez kill started six straight points for and 17-12 Knights advantage. Valley Forge pulled back to within two, 18-16, but Neumann scored seven of the final nine points for the 25-18 set win and 3-0 match win.
 
Neumann (3-4) will travel to St. Elizabeth University on Sunday for a tri-match with Pratt Institute. Action gets underway at 12:00 PM.