STEVENSON, MD. – The Nichols men's volleyball team opened play at the Stevenson Mustang Classic on Friday evening, falling to Randolph-Macon College in four sets, 3–1 (16–25, 20–25, 25–20, 17–25), at Owings Mills Gymnasium on the campus of Stevenson University.

With the loss, the Bison move to 3–7 overall (0–0 CNE), while the Yellow Jackets improve to 9–1 (1–0 ODAC).

Adam Vincent paced the Bison offense with a team-high 17 kills and added a service ace. Bradyn Pomainville followed with 12 kills while hitting .280 on the night. Setter Evan Sachs directed the offense with 36 assists and contributed defensively with four blocks. Connor Snow added three blocks, while Cade Bernardi anchored the back row with a team-high 11 digs while Sachs had 6 and Hand had 5.

Randolph-Macon came out firing in the opening set, recording multiple early kills to jump out to a 7–2 advantage. Nichols responded with back-to-back points fueled by strong net play, as Sachs, Snow, and Pomainville combined for consecutive blocks to shift momentum. However, the Yellow Jackets continued to apply pressure, stretching the lead to eight and pushing ahead 21–13 to put the set out of reach. Despite late kills from Vincent and Gavin, Randolph-Macon closed the frame on a decisive run to take the set, 25–16.

Determined to find their footing in the second set, the Bison captured their first lead of the match early following a kill from Pomainville. The teams traded points throughout the middle stretch, with neither side able to create separation. After another Nichols point, Randolph-Macon seized control with a four-point run to swing momentum back in its favor. Nichols battled behind kills from Vincent, first-year Emmett Jackson, and Snow, but the deficit proved too much to overcome as the Bison dropped the second set, 25–20.

The third set mirrored the intensity of the second, with both teams grinding for control. This time, it was Nichols that found daylight first, using an 8–2 surge to build a six-point cushion. The run was sparked by a kill from Gavin and highlighted by a put-away from Sachs at the net. Randolph-Macon answered with a six-point run of its own to tighten the score, but a timely service error halted the momentum and allowed Nichols to regroup. A service ace from Hand extended the lead to five, giving the Bison breathing room as they closed strong. Vincent delivered the final kill of the set to secure a 25–20 win and force a fourth frame.

The deciding set opened with Nichols grabbing the first two points before Randolph-Macon briefly took the lead. The Bison stayed within striking distance behind kills from Vincent and Pomainville, while strong defense from Snow and Sachs kept the frame tight. Nichols gained momentum late, capitalizing on Yellow Jacket errors and contributions from Connor DeSousa and Hand to extend the lead. Despite a late push from Randolph-Macon, the Bison stayed composed, sealing the set 25–17 and closing the match 3–1.

Nichols will continue tournament play Saturday, taking on the University of Mount Union at 10:00 a.m. before closing out the Stevenson Mustang Classic against nationally ranked No. 8 Southern Virginia University at 12:00 p.m., both matches set to be played at Owings Mills Gymnasium.