CHESTER, Pa. – The Neumann University Men's Volleyball dropped a 3-0 decision against their cross-county rivals, Widener University on Tuesday night, falling by scores of 28-26, 25-18, and 25-17.
 
The first set was very close throughout the as neither team ever led by more than three points. With the set tied at four, Neumann scored four of the next five points for a three-point lead, but Widener responded with a carbon copy 4-1 run of their own to tie it. In the later stages of the set, the Knights went on another run, this time of three straight points, making it a 19-16 set, but again, the Pride answered with a 4-0 run to take the lead. Neumann took a 22-20 lead before Widener pulled ahead 25-24. The Pride finally took the set 28-26.
 
In the second, both teams were able to put together longer runs. With Neumann up 5-3, Widener scored seven of the next eight and took a 10-6 lead. The Knights came back to tie it at 10 but the Pride pushed a 6-2 run to make it 19-13. Neumann tried to make a comeback but Widener closed the set with a three point stretch for a 2-0 lead.
 
The Knights got off to a solid start in the third as they led 6-3 in the early going. That would turn around as the Pride went on a 10-3 run to take control at 13-9. Neumann pulled back within one but an 8-2 run, and then four of the last five points both belonged to Widener, giving them the match.
 
Veryl Burns led the offensive effort with 10 kills with Trey Edmonds following with seven. Christian Johnson was the top passer with 13 assists while Christian DeMarco helped with nine digs.
 
Neumann (2-1) will be back in action on Thursday night when they visit Elizabethtown College in another non-conference match. It's scheduled for a 7:00 PM start.