Harrogate, TN - Lincoln Memorial men's volleyball remains at home this weekend for a pair of matches inside Mary Mars Gymnasium, welcoming Emmanuel University (Ga.) on Friday, Jan. 16 at 6:00 p.m. for Superhero Night and Erskine College on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7:00 p.m. for Staff and Faculty Appreciation Night.
The Railsplitters enter the weekend at 2–0 and have been strong statistically through the first two matches, posting a .368 team attack percentage while holding opponents to .064. LMU is averaging 12.7 kills per set and 11.0 digs per set, and the block has been a key early factor at 2.3 blocks per set. Offensively, Axel van Baars leads the team with 26 kills on .561 hitting, while Johan Negron (19 kills) and Colton Mendez (12 kills) add to a balanced attack. Roman Mahlerwein has guided the offense with 61 assists and a team-high 18 digs.
Both opponents come from Conference Carolinas, which released its 2026 preseason poll earlier this month. Erskine was picked fifth, while Emmanuel was selected eighth in the league's preseason rankings. Emmanuel was also highlighted with "Players to Watch," including Aidan Feeney, Greg Bodus, and Josh Staehler, while Erskine's featured names were Allen Faison, Tyler Kuehl, and Gino Briglio.
LMU has had consistent success in both series in recent years. Against Emmanuel, the Railsplitters own a 13–2 record and have won seven straight in the series, including a 3–1 road win in the most recent meeting on Feb. 3, 2024. The series has also favored LMU at home, where the Railsplitters are 8–0 all-time against Emmanuel. Against Erskine, LMU holds a 5–1 advantage in the all-time series and has won five straight, most recently earning a 3–1 win on the road on Feb. 2, 2024. Lincoln Memorial is also 3–0 all-time at home versus Erskine.
Gameday information for both matches, including streaming and live stats, can be found on the LMU Men's Volleyball schedule page or using the links below.
LMU vs Emmanuel University
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LMU vs Erskine College
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