DANVILLE, VA - Warren Wilson College's Men volleyball team opened with their inaugural away match in a hard fought win over Averett University on Thursday night 3-2.

The Warren Wilson Owls (1-0) jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the first set and maintained control of the entirety of the opening set, taking set 1 25-17. Averett (0-3) stormed back in the second set, opening up on a 7-3 run to help propel the Cougars to a 25-22 set 2 victory. Averett took a 2-1 set advantage in the third set, winning 25-20.

The Owls fought to get themselves up 20-12  in the fourth set before the Cougars erupted for a 10-3 run with both teams having match point multiple times before finishing on top 28-26. In the fifth set, each team exchanged leads, with Warren Wilson earning the change over point to lead 8-7. The Cougars got within one 12-11 before the Owls scored three consecutive points to earn the program's first victory 15-12.

Ian Nicholson led the Owl's offense with 24 kills while sophomore Will Jack had 11 kills and 11 digs. Freshman RJ Daly racked up 38 assists in the 5 set thriller while junior libero Rick Castillo took charge of the defense with 15 digs and being %1.000 on serve receive. 

"Amazing first match for the guys to really dive in and see what a college match looks and feels, especially for those who had just started playing the sport. The crowd was great and the team did well handling the atmosphere in the gym. Was exciting to get the historic program win off the bat and still see how much room we have to grow." said Jack Stark, head men's coach

The Owls hit the road again on Saturday 1/27 for a tri-match with NAIA Milligan University and Appalachian State's men's club team.