MERCED, Calif. – The Soka University Lions men's volleyball team traveled to Northern California to continue Cal Pac play. Despite a valiant effort, the Lions return to Aliso Viejo with three losses on the road trip.
 
The Lions fought hard but fell in straight sets to the Simpson University Red Hawks on Thursday night. The Lions, still seeking their first win of the season, showed flashes of resilience but ultimately succumbed to a 3-0 (9-25,14-25,12-25) defeat. Kenichi Price and Takayuki Toyama led the offense tallying two kills apiece. Aiden Chen led the team with five digs.
 
On Friday afternoon, Soka fell to the Pacific Union Pioneers 3-0 (12-25,6-25,11-25). Diego Caceres paced the offensive attack for the Lions with five kills and was followed by Kenichi Price with three kills. Caceres and Price both tallied a block against the Pioneers. Daniel Yoshimura dished out seven assists and grabbed four digs.  
 
The Lions faced UC Merced on the final day of their trip, falling to the Bobcats after a hard-fought match, 3-0 (10-25,11-25,14-25). Chen, as well as Toyama, led the offense with two kills apiece. Price and Yoshimura dished out five assists combined. Kazuya Yaguchi led the back row with seven digs.
 
The Lions will host Arizona Christian this week at home on Thursday, March 13 with the first serve set for 6 p.m.