Elgin, IL - The Eagles opened the NCCAA National Championship in strong fashion, taking match one of the best-of-three series with a 3-1 victory over Redeemer on Friday afternoon.

After dropping a tightly contested opening set 28-26, Judson responded with authority, winning the next three sets 25-16, 25-17, and 27-25 to seize control of the championship matchup.

The Eagles found their rhythm offensively as the match progressed, hitting an efficient .239 as a team, including a dominant .480 clip in set three.

Leading the charge was Mason Snodgrass, who delivered a match-high 17 kills while adding 9 digs and 3 service aces. Reece Thompson followed with 13 kills and a strong presence at the net. Thompson was credited with the final two kills back to back to close out the match.

In the third set, Snodgrass would dominate the serve down the stretch to help the Eagles record a 7-1 run to close things out for the advantage. 

It was a game of runs for the Eagles, as set four saw a 6-1 run by JU push them ahead. 

Also for JU, Oracio Martinez contributed 9 kills on an impressive .438 hitting percentage.

Matthew Leith and Adrian Martinez orchestrated the offense, combining for 45 assists, helping keep the Eagles balanced and in system throughout the match.

Defensively, Judson held Redeemer to a .124 hitting percentage and came up with timely blocks and key runs, especially in the second and third sets to shift momentum.

With the win, the Eagles move one victory away from capturing the NCCAA National Championship. Match two, and if necessary match three will take place on Saturday in the Lindner Fitness Center. Match two will begin at 10:30 am, and if needed, match three will begin at 1:30 pm. The NCCAA Championship is a best of three series, with one team needing two victories for the hardware.