The Lanier Falcons A team defeated the Pi Gamma Royals in two sets, 25-19 and 25-18, in their first volleyball game of the season.

Last year, the Falcons finished undefeated at 6-0, sweeping all but one match they played, before falling short of the championship. Lanier undoubtedly will again be trying to battle into the championship this year.

Lanier started quickly in the first set of the match, jumping out to an early 6-1 lead, and kept a fairly strong lead for most of the game. The Royals struggled despite a size advantage in their front court.

Lanier then stretched out its lead 10-3 before Pi Gamma was able to make a 5-1 run with the help of improved play in the front, as well as several miscues by the Falcons, who looked helpless to keep the ball in bounds. The Falcons recovered from their mistakes, however, and once again stretched out their lead before finally winning 25-19.

The second set was a different story. The Royals came out looking like a completely different team. They were much more organized than they were in the first game and were working much better as a team to set up good plays.

The two teams exchanged blow for blow, neither team gaining any ground on the other for the first few plays. Soon, though, the tide began to turn in Lanier’s favor, fueled by a stellar performance by sophomore Samuel Sotelo, who took over the game.

With the score tied 8-8, Sotelo sparked a 10-4 run for the Falcons, helping them gain an 18-12 lead.

The Royals sought to make a comeback in the final few exchanges, but ultimately fell short, losing 25-18.