LEBANON, Tenn. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's volleyball team opened River States Conference play with a gritty five-set road victory at Cumberland (Tenn.) on Saturday night, earning a 28-26, 20-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13 win.

With the victory, SMWC improves to 15-1 overall (1-0 RSC) — the most wins by any NAIA program this season.

After splitting the first four sets in a tightly contested battle, the match came down to a tense fifth set filled with momentum swings and clutch plays.

Cumberland built an early advantage before SMWC answered behind kills from Francesco Tedeschi and Tyler Duranceau to even the score at 6-6. The Phoenix regained a two-point edge midway through the frame, but SMWC responded again.

Following a Cumberland service error, SMWC capitalized in transition. A kill from Bentley Meyer tied the set at 9-9 before the teams traded points to reach 11-11.

With the score knotted at 12-12, Duranceau delivered a clutch kill off a feed from Ethan Ricketts to give SMWC a late edge. After both teams exchanged points to reach 13-13, SMWC moved to match point following a Cumberland service error.

On the final rally, Cumberland's attack attempt was denied at the net by Daniel Musa and Yammiel Martinez, sealing the 15-13 victory and securing the conference-opening road win.

Pomeroy Leaders
Bentley Meyer led the offense with 17 kills on .429 hitting, adding seven digs and two blocks.

Tyler Duranceau finished with 12 kills and two service aces for 15 total points, including two critical kills in the decisive fifth set.

At the net, Yammiel Martinez anchored the defense with eight total blocks (2 solo, 6 assists), helping SMWC total 14 team blocks in the match.

The setting duo of Ethan Martins (27 assists) and Ethan Ricketts (22 assists) directed a balanced offensive effort throughout the contest.

SMWC returns to action Friday, February 27, traveling to Campbellsville (Ky.) for a 6 p.m. (ET) matchup as River States Conference play continues.