LOUISVILLE, Ky. - In a competitive men's volleyball matchup on February 7, 2026 at Columbia Gym in Louisville, the Spalding University Golden Eagles secured a solid 3–1 victory over the Kentucky State Thorobreds.
TURNING POINT
The Golden Eagles jumped out to early leads in the first two sets, winning both by identical 25-21 scores, as they applied pressure with a balanced offensive attack and strong serve-receive. Kentucky State answered in the third set, edging Spalding 25-23 to tighten the match, but Spalding's depth and defensive resilience helped them regain control, and they closed out the fourth set 25-17 to claim the win.
Statistically, Spalding outperformed Kentucky State across several key categories. The Golden Eagles finished with 50 kills compared to the Thorobreds' 40, and they also had more total assists (45 to 29) and digs (42 to 36), showing both offensive balance and defensive consistency throughout the contest. On the stat sheet, Spalding's
Tye-Anthony Curtis led the team with 20 kills, while
Max Atherton chipped in 14 kills and was active defensively with nine digs.
Aakash Malvankar added eight kills and paced the team with ten digs. Setting the offense effectively,
Brayden Overberg posted 40 assists along with four aces and three blocks to facilitate the Golden Eagles' attack from the service line and the front row.
For Kentucky State, Jamir Patterson led the Thorobreds with 17 kills, and Jamal Gray contributed nine kills, but the Thorobreds struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm against Spalding's balanced unit. Despite the loss, Kentucky State showed fight, particularly in the third set, before Spalding ultimately closed the match in four.
The win improved Spalding's record as they look to build momentum in the middle of their 2026 season schedule, while Kentucky State's team will look to rebound in upcoming matches.
GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES
- Tye-Anthony Curtis led the attack with 20 kills, pacing the Golden Eagles' offense.
- Max Atherton added 14 kills and contributed defensively with 9 digs.
- Aakash Malvankar chipped in 8 kills and led the team with 10 digs.
- Brayden Overberg anchored the setting duties with 40 assists and chipped in 4 aces and 3 blocks.
