The Team huddles following a tough loss to Lawrence Tech – Photo by Grace Malec
After a tough season for the Saints thus far, the Men’s Volleyball team continues to prevail and split a two-game series held in Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center. The team played the Oakland City Mighty Oaks on Friday, Mar. 21 and continued their weekend of play on Saturday, Mar. 22 playing the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils.
The match up on Friday night was a consistent back-and-forth battle between the Saints and the Mighty Oaks. The Saints took the first set, starting off strong with 25 points over Oakland City’s 23. The Mighty Oaks responded, taking the second set 25 to 20. The game was not over for the Saints and the grit of the team came to a front as they fought to win the third set 27 – 25. Oakland City did not give up there, powering over Aquinas and taking set four 25 – 20. The Saints ultimately finished strong and took the match, winning the final set 15 – 10.
“This past weekend was all about connectivity and this was the most connected I felt on the court with these boys since joining,” freshman Kapelieli Moala said. There is immense talent on the team and seeing our hard work come to fruition was our win against #20 ranked Oakland City. Everyone played with purpose and stood on business.”
Moala, Connor Staats and Zack Nosky led the team in kills for the match against the mighty oaks. Staats was named the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference player of the week with his performance. Staats also led the team in digs during the match against Oakland City alongside Julian Fira and Oniel Alvarez.
“The week was definitely a roller coaster of emotions. Playing well against Oakland city was one of my favorite wins this season. Then the following game not being able to execute and take care of business was disappointing. I know along with everyone else that we’re a talented young team, and it’s going to take time to find a consistent groove.” Staats said.
#23 Alex Rodriguez and #22 Will Gilmore make a block against Oakland City – Photo by Grace Malec
Saturday was a new day for the team and after their win over Oakland City the night prior, the team now was to face the number four ranked Blue Devils of Lawrence Tech. The team fought hard from start to finish, but were unable to find ground against Lawrence Tech, dropping the match 0-3.
“Playing against #5 ranked Lawrence tech wasn’t the outcome we wanted but it doesn’t stop the hard work being put in daily by everyone,” Moala said. “Although we lost, I believe losing is essential to success, it’s part of the sport. if you never lose, you never are truly tested and one thing about me. I only pass tests.”
Even with the hard match up, athletes on the team fought their hardest through the match, with Jonathan Collins leading the team in kills for the match, Staats leading the team in aces and digs, Alex Rodriguez leading in blocks and Ryden Luedtke leading in assists.
The team returns home on Thursday, April 3 as they play Bethel University and is back again on Friday, April 4 as they celebrate Senior Night and as they play the Goshen College Maple Leafs at 7 p.m.
The Saints take a time out during their match up against Lawrence Tech – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 