Miami Shores, Fla. – King University faced a challenging nonconference test on Friday evening, traveling to Barry University for a matchup inside the Health & Sports Center. The Tornado (3–10, 0–6 Conference Carolinas) battled throughout the night but were unable to slow down a highly efficient Buccaneers squad, falling 3–0 by scores of 25–13, 25–19, 25–14.
Barry (12–3) controlled the match offensively, hitting .391 as a team while limiting King to a .088 attack percentage. The contest drew an attendance of 79.
Set One: Buccaneers Take Early Control
Barry opened the match with precision, hitting .452 in the first frame behind strong swings from Zachary Jabr and Elias Fuhrer. King managed five kills in the set, including early contributions from Carson Pliapol and Colton Bueter, but the Buccaneers' 16 kills and steady serving created too much separation in a 25–13 decision.
Set Two: King Settles In
The Tornado produced their most competitive stretch in the second set.
Pliapol continued to lead the offense, while Alessandro Fermani and Brett Lloyd added timely kills to keep King within range. Setter Joao Pedro Ribeiro distributed the ball effectively and added a service ace. Despite improved hitting (.077), King could not overcome Barry's balanced attack and fell 25–19.
Set Three: Barry Closes Out the Match
King posted its best offensive numbers of the night in the third set, hitting .132 with eight kills. Pliapol, Lloyd, and Trent Benedict each contributed to the attack, and freshman Kellen Woolm added a kill and a block assist.
Barry, however, maintained its efficiency, hitting .355 in the frame and using a late run to secure the match with a 25–14 win.
Statistical Leaders – King University
Offense
Setting
- Joao Pedro Ribeiro: 17 assists, 3 digs, 1 ace
Defense
Barry finished with 45 kills on 92 swings, while King totaled 19 kills on 91 attempts.
Up Next
King returns to Conference Carolinas play next week as the Tornado continue their 2026 campaign.
