MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced men's volleyball team earned a five-set comeback win over Simpson University on Thursday night inside the Joseph Edward Gallo Gymnasium, 3-2 (21-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 15-10).

The Bobcats (6-10, 4-1) grinded out the victory with a strong defensive performance, recording a season-high 65 digs and 10.5 blocks. The Bobcats 65 digs are the most in a Cal Pac match since February 17, 2023.

Thursday nights win was the Bobcats first when trailing both 1-0 and 2-1 in the match since March 27, 2021.

Jozef Lingenfelter led the Bobcats and tied his season-high's of 15 kills and 12 digs for his second double-double of the season. He also had two solo blocks, passing Jacob Semon for ninth in program history with 25 career solo blocks. He assisted on an additional block.

Daniel Del Grande finished with eight kills, five digs, and three blocks.

Reigning Cal Pac Setter of the Week Toby Miller tallied 36 assists, a career-high tying six blocks, five digs, and four kills. Miller's five digs moved him ahead of Matthew Lostetter for tenth in program history with 313 career digs.

Sebas Moreno tied his career-high with 20 digs to go along with four assists and a season-high tying three service aces.

Gannon Connors was good for eight digs, five kills, and two service aces.

Other notables include seven kills from Kaleb Cole, four kills from Max Niederberger, six digs from Donovan Guglielmana, and a solo block from Brennan Taylor. Jared Guglielmana returned to action for the first time since February 28 due to an injury and appeared in three sets. With his return to the floor, Guglielmana passed Matthew Pelfini for fourth all-time in program history with 257 career sets played.

UC Merced never led in the first set but battled throughout and pulled within two points late at 23-21. Earlier in the frame, the Bobcats had trailed by as many as six points at 16-10. Del Grande's offense was a key reason for the Bobcats coming back within striking distance. Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm as Simpson hit .032 and UC Merced hit -.029 in the frame.

The Bobcats operated nearly 200 points better offensively in the second set, however UC Merced still had to play from behind for the majority of the frame after getting themselves in a 6-1 hole. The Bobcats came within two points at 12-10 and eventually knotted the set 19-19 after a Miller kill. UC Merced had its back against the wall again shortly after, trailing 23-21, until a Colin Ryan kill sparked a 4-0 set-ending run for the Bobcats. Del Grande captured set point with a solo block.

Both teams traded sideouts to start the third set before a 5-0 Red Hawk run created separation and forced the Bobcats into a timeout. When the Bobcats managed to pull even at 16-16 with the help of Lingenfelter, Simpson responded with another 5-0 run and a 10-3 set ending run overall to jump back ahead in the match two sets to one. Simpson hit .250 compared to the Bobcats .000 in the frame.

Simpson had opportunities to pull away in the fourth set as they held an early 7-2 lead and an 18-14 lead later on. The Bobcats never let Simpson garner full momentum and a big play here and there kept UC Merced within striking distance. Trailing 18-14, Miller put together back-to-back blocks which sparked a 6-1 run capped by a Del Grande kill for the Bobcats first lead of the set. Two plays later, Simpson led 21-20 and then the two teams were tied 22-22 and 23-23. Cole won the set for the Bobcats after that tallying back-to-back kills to force the fifth set.

Connors opened set five with a service ace and the Bobcats used a 4-1 mini run to build an early three-point lead. Later on, Connors delivered a kill to put his team up 10-5. UC Merced led by as many as six points at 13-7 after back-to-back Lingenfelter kills. After a sideout, Miller and Niederberger combined for a block to set up match point which was then captured three plays later with a Cole kill. The Bobcats hit a match-high .333 (8/1/21) to close out the Red Hawks in the fifth set.

Up next, UC Merced will host Pacific Union College on Senior Night on Saturday, March 22. First serve is scheduled for 8:00pm inside the Joseph Edward Gallo Gymnasium.