Reinhardt sweeps Webber International in AAC quarterfinals

Kingsport, TN. - Reinhardt defeated Webber International in straight sets, 3-0, on Thursday in the AAC tournament quarterfinals in Kingsport, Tennessee, winning 25-15, 25-13, 25-23 to advance to the semifinals.

The Eagles controlled much of the match behind a balanced offensive effort and a strong showing at the net. Reinhardt finished with 37 kills, seven aces and 15 blocks, while Webber International totaled 23 kills, two aces and two team blocks. The difference was especially clear in efficiency, as Reinhardt hit .250 on 80 attack attempts and Webber was limited to a .026 attack percentage with 21 attack errors.

Set 1 turned in Reinhardt's favor as Michele Fassetta helped spark a service run that widened the gap, and the Eagles kept pressure on with multiple attacking plays. Thomas Jefferson closed the opener with a kill for the 25-15 finish. Reinhardt kept that momentum into the second set, where Jakub Aniolczyk delivered multiple kills and a service ace during the stretch that pushed the lead out for good in a 25-13 win.

Aniolczyk led Reinhardt with 12.5 points, recording nine kills, two aces and three block assists. Gabriel Gutierrez added 8 kills, an ace and five digs, while Jefferson posted 7 kills and five block assists. Decklan Fongbemi made a major impact defensively with 10 total blocks as Reinhardt consistently disrupted Webber's attack.

The third set was the most competitive of the afternoon, but Reinhardt again found key points late. A team service ace and sustained pressure in the middle and late stages of the set helped the Eagles create just enough separation. Webber received offensive production from Noah Riascos and Jordan Diaz, who each scored 7.0 points, but the visitors could not complete the comeback. The final point came on a Webber attack error, sealing Reinhardt's 25-23 set win and the match.

With the quarterfinal victory, Reinhardt moves on to face Life University in the AAC semifinals on Friday at 4:30 p.m. in Kingsport.