GLENSIDE, PA – Cairn Men's Volleyball opened up their season on the road at Arcadia on Thursday night as the Knights swept the Highlanders in three sets.
 
Cairn (0-1 / UNITED EAST) had the early lead as junior middle David Larbi (Bensalem, PA / Bensalem) and sophomore outside hitter Sam Poirier (Nogyang, South Korea / International Christian School Uijeongbu) got to work. Poirier recorded five kills in the frame as the Highlanders stayed within striking distance. Arcadia (3-4 / MAC) ran to the finish with three late kills, taking the set 25-18.
 
Graduate outside hitter Noah Ruiz Esparza (Levittown, PA / Berean Academy) gave Cairn a brief lead with a kill followed by three aces in the frame. Larbi and Poirier continued to fire away as the Highlanders were on top until the Knights tied things up late at 21-21. An ace and kill for Arcadia turned the tables and gave them set two by a score of 25-23.
 
The decisive third set opened with four-straight points for Cairn as junior setter Josh Adler (Levittown, PA / Neshaminy) found space with an ace while Poirer and Ruiz Esparza added kills. The Highlanders remained in the driver's seat until Arcadia went on a run of five-straight points to take over 11-10. Another six-point run late would decide the match as two final kills from sophomore outside hitter Jesse Stuart (Chattanooga, TN / Chiang Rai International Christian School) wouldn't be enough to overcome the deficit.
 
Poirier got off to a hot start with a game-high 13 kills hitting at .333%. Larbi added nine kills with a block assist while Ruiz Esparza had five kills, three aces, and a solo block for nine points. Adler racked up 23 assists while adding an ace on the offensive side.
 
The Highlanders will match up with Immaculata on the road Tuesday before their home opener on Thursday against Widener at 7 p.m.