PHOENIXVILLE, Pa. — The Saint Elizabeth University men's volleyball team fell to United East opponent Valley Forge in straight sets (25-22, 25-13, 25-20) on Thursday evening at the University of Valley Forge Gymnasium.

Saint Elizabeth showed early competitiveness in the opening set, battling point-for-point with Valley Forge and tying the score at 22 before the host Patriots closed the frame with three consecutive points to take a 1-0 match lead.

Valley Forge pulled away in the second set behind a strong service run and efficient offense, limiting the Eagles to four kills in the frame while securing a 25-13 win to move ahead 2-0.

The Eagles regrouped in the third set and kept the score tight through the middle stages before Valley Forge again finished strong to secure the 25-20 set victory and the match sweep.

Kennedy Ibezim led Saint Elizabeth offensively with seven kills while adding five digs. Enock Joachim recorded five kills and eight digs, while Carlos Saldana contributed three kills and four digs. Setter Randel Romero paced the offense with 14 assists and added six digs.

Defensively, Ih'Jamir Williams posted a team-high four total blocks, including three solo stops, while the Eagles totaled five blocks as a team.

Saint Elizabeth recorded 20 kills and 31 digs in the match.