MIAMI SHORES, FL – Navigating a challenging road environment at the Health & Sports Center, the University of Jamestown Jimmies demonstrated significant competitive growth despite a 3-0 defeat (14-25, 19-25, 22-25) against Barry University on Friday night.
The Jimmies showcased a tenacious spirit, consistently improving their offensive output as the match progressed and finding their true rhythm in a tightly contested final set. This determination was most visible in the third set, where Jamestown pushed the Buccaneers through eight ties and a lead change while producing a match-high 11 kills and a .238 hitting percentage. This late-game surge highlighted the team's ability to adjust under pressure, successfully sharpening their attacks and cutting down errors compared to the opening sets.
Chase Hawkinson served as the primary catalyst for the Jamestown attack, putting together an exceptional performance with a match-high 15 kills. Hawkinson consistently found ways to pierce the Barry defense, finishing the night with a team-leading 15.5 total points. Supporting the offensive effort, Ladarius Williams provided a well-rounded stat line with six kills and a team-high six digs, while also recording the Jimmies lone service ace of the match. Cohen Johnson was perfectly efficient at the net, recording two kills on just two attempts for a 1.000 hitting percentage, further bolstering the Jamestown front line.
Defensively, the Jimmies were anchored by a disciplined effort at the net and in the back row. Ethan Carroll spearheaded the defensive front by participating in three of the team's blocks, including one solo and two assisted stops. Joshua Crowley contributed 1.5 points with a kill and a block assist while matching the team-high with six digs. In the back-row, Treyton Kaul and Jackson Holmes provided crucial stability by combining for 9 digs throughout the three sets. These collective efforts allowed the Jimmies to remain competitive even as the Buccaneers utilized nine service aces to maintain pressure.
The Jimmies offense was orchestrated by Rowan Shaughnessy, who distributed 19 assists to keep the attack moving effectively. Kaden Jenkins also played a vital role in the rotation, tallying six assists and facilitating points early in the match. Lucas Soeldner added to the scoreboard with a kill of his own, and Brady Leppien-Christensen contributed to the rotation during the second and third sets. This comprehensive performance and the momentum gained from a hard-fought final set serve as a strong foundation for the Jimmies as they continue their southern road swing.
The Jimmies return to action, February 15, with matches scheduled for 9AM and 1PM to close out their final day of play in Florida, facing Barry Universiry and Warner University.
