By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
The Saints celebrate another point on the board against Life – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saints of the Aquinas Men’s Volleyball team kicked off their season on Thursday, Jan. 22 as they hosted their home opener against the Life University Running Eagles.
With nine new members of the team being added to the roster this season, the Saints are looking to raise the bar.
“It was nice to be back in Sturrus for the 2026 season,” Saints rightside hitter Jonathan Collins said. “I’m very excited about the potential and talent we have in store for this year,”
The team had a strong start, taking the first two sets of the match 25-19 and 25-23. After being two sets ahead, the Saints faced struggle, ultimately falling to the Running Eagles in the fifth set.
Members of the team showed off in the match against Life. Junior Connor Staats led the team in kills, tallying 17 in the match. Staats also led the team in aces, accumulating a total of six against the Running Eagles.
Jonathan Collins had the most blocks on the team, earning a total of five with Ryden Luedke leading the team in assists, totaling 28 in the match. Colin Ilagan also was named a leader from the match against Life, totaling 11 digs.
“Thursday was definitely an upsetting loss because it was the first game,” Staats said. “However, I feel all of our guys know that this game will not define the rest of our season whatsoever. We are a young team with huge potential and I am excited to see where that is going to take us.”
#4 Connor Staats and #23 Alex Rodriguez Block Life – Photo by Grace Malec
After a tough match against Life, the team returned on Friday to play Benedictine, a team who has played on the NAIA nationals court. The team faced a tough battle, after winning the first set of the match, the Saints fell to Benedictine 1-3.
Looking forward, the Saints are on the road as they take on Calvin University on Thursday, Jan. 29 before heading to Mount Vernon, OH. to play Mount Vernon Nazarene on Saturday, Jan. 31. The team returns home on Tuesday, Feb. 3 as they play the Rochester Christian University Warriors in Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center at 7:00 p.m.
Jonathan Collins celebrates a block against Life – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 