The first day of preliminary competition brought tough opponents right off the bat for the Falcons. North Dakota State University was the first match of the day. Feeling the pressure as the top ranked team, the Messiah had a wake up call when they dropped the first set 20-25. The team regrouped and finished off NDSU decisively 25-15, 15-9. Messiah would not falter the rest of the day as they faced Missouri University of Science and Technology and Siena College, winning 25-18, 25-18 and 25-18, 25-20, respectively.

The second day of seeding play determined who would remain in the hunt for the national title. In the three team pool, Messiah would face Yale and Eastern Illinois University. First up was EIU. The Falcons came out in top form and dismantled EIU 25-11 the first set. There was no answer for the Falcon attack and the defense was impenetrable. However, EIU would not go away quietly and pushed Messiah to a third set by winning 25-23 in the second. In a back and forth battle in the third set, there were many extended rallies with great play after great play. The Falcons came out on top winning 15-11. Yale was up next. The Falcons, pumped up after a thrilling win, played another brilliant match against a tough opponent winning 25-21, 26-24.

Being undefeated in seeding play, the Falcons were still atop the field ranked #1 in the single-elimination playoffs with a first round match up with Army from West Point. In any tournament, there are working assignments, and a miscommunication with the tournament director, had the Falcons arriving late to their working assignment prior to their match against Army. This resulted in a forfeit of the first set. Starting off the match already down 0-25, Messiah knew that it was imperative to win the second set to force a third to prevail. Coming out in dominating fashion against a very tough Army team, the Falcons pulled away after being neck and neck the whole set, winning 25-18. Army would not be beaten so easily pushing the Falcons in the third set, but eventually falling to the defending national champions  14-16.

In the quarterfinal match, the Falcons would face a familiar foe, the Ohio Northern University. In an epic battle, which should have been the championship match between two phenomenal teams, Messiah took the first set 25-21. ONU would hang on to take the second set 25-23. In the third set, each incredible hit was answered by an amazing defensively play by both teams. Tied at 14-14, ONU would make two blocks to seal the deal and knock out the Falcons 16-14, giving Messiah a 5th place finish. Ohio Northern would loose in the next round to eventual champions SUNY Cortland. Cortland would then beat Eastern Illinois University in the championship match 27-25, 21-25, 18-16.

A strong showing at this years championships named 5 Falcons on the All Tournament Team selection. Juniors Kyle Keen, Mike Walker, and Corey Wenger were named to the Honorable-Mention list. Junior and 2008 NCCS Division II MVP Ted Simmons was named to the Second Team list. Senior Captain Luke Reichel would make it his second appearance on the First Team list.

The Falcons would thank all of those who supported the team this year!

Web link to a map of DeSales University campus and directions to campus, conference tournament takes place in Billera Hall, Building 18 on the map (http://www.desales.edu/default.aspx?pageid=849).
Championship format will soon follow.

The Falcons, with a 10-1 overall season record, (7-1 in conference), clinch the MACVC West Division after finishing the regular season with strong wins against Susquehanna University and Dickinson College this past weekend. This marks the 4th year in a row Messiah has won the MACVC West Division, 9th overall.

As Messiah maintains their #1 spot in the national rankings, they look to secure their conference position as they take on conference foe Shippensburg.

T-shirts will be on sale for $10 if you have not yet purchased your men’s volleyball shirt this year. Help support the Falcons as they travel to Kansas City, MO, for the national tournament to defend their championship title!

See you tonight! GO FALCONS!

2009 season t-shirts will be on sale for $10.  All proceeds will go toward sending the team to the national tournament in Kansas City, Missouri in April!

On Sunday, the Falcons traveled down the road to Gettysburg College, where they were victorious both over the host school and also visiting team Juniata. Messiah will face Penn College Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 pm in Brubaker Auditorium.

This Friday at 7:30 p.m., the #1 ranked Messiah Falcons (2-0) take on the visiting Marauders (0-1) from Millersville University in a rematch of the 2008 MAC Championship game. The rivalry should prove to be an exciting match up, especially with both teams suffering from illness and injuries.

Come support the Falcons as they take on the ‘Ville!

Friday night in Brubaker belonged to the Falcons playing in one of the most intense matches in Messiah men’s volleyball history. Facing an extremely dominant Navy volleyball team, Messiah had the first true test in their competitive ’09 season. Despite losing the first game 21-25, the Falcons outlasted the Midshipmen to win the next three games 25-18, 32-30, and 25-22, in front of an exuberant crowd of close to 600 people.

The Messiah men’s volleyball team would like to thank all of the people who came out to support the team Friday night.

Navy (a NIRSA division I team) was one of the few teams to defeat Messiah during their 2008 season and the rivalry remains fierce. Come show and shout your support for our Falcons tomorrow night!

If you’ve got Messiah t-shirts or sweatshirts, wear them! If not, you may be one of our lucky fans to catch one of the FREE t-shirts that will be thrown into the crowd between games.

See you tomorrow night!