What a weekend of March Madness! In a weekend where emotions were running high throughout all active sports in the country, our Cougars were able channel their energy into earning two big wins.
During the SXU-TCC Crossover, the Men’s Volleyball team swept the competition in front of the home crowd in the Shannon Center. On Friday night, our Cougars faced off against the Mustangs of Mount Mercy University in a primetime matchup.
At the time, the Mustangs were ranked #8 in the nation, expecting to win as they had done so very often throughout the season.
They would be in for a fight this night though, as our Cougars were eager and very well prepared to avenge a tough loss to Judson University over spring break.
We had to overcome major adversity to earn the victory, as the Mustangs jumped ahead early and were able to steal the first two sets on the road.
Being down late in the third set, 22-20, we were able to go on a run to steal the set and extend the match, thanks to a big day from sophomore Justin McCarthy.
Game four was very similar, as our Cougars were once again able to overcome a deficit to extend the game to a fifth and deciding set. The Mustangs had very little chance of winning with the boost of energy our Cougars took into the fifth game, which was won fairly easily. The Cougars were tested by the mighty Mustangs, but extended the games just long enough to send them home with a loss.
A couple milestones were reached during the long match, which is only fitting since it was such a big win. Senior Jake Olson led the team with 13 digs on the day and reached 200 on the season. Also, junior Ben Gabor tied the SXU single-match record with 26 kills in the victory.
On Saturday, our Cougars faced off against Cumberland University. The quick turnover from the tough game the night before would test the focus and will of our beloved Cougars. We were able to take control early in the contest, as the first set was won by a score of 25-14. Set two was won even more comfortably, as senior Samuel Rodriguez’s ace at set point gave our squad a 25-11 victory.
Sweeping any series is always difficult, as the Phoenix were able to prove that by showing fight to steal the third game from us, and not allowing us to celebrate too early.
The fourth game went back and forth, having many twists and turns, but our Cougars were able to pull away just enough to send Cumberland back to Tennessee while earning ourselves a 33-31 victory.
During the contest, junior setter Aaron Kummer tied a program record with 50 assists, a figure he almost reached the night before against Mount Mercy where he tallied 48 assists in the win.
Our Cougars will look to continue their hot play on Tuesday night in a conference game on the road against Trinity Christian College.
Dallas Haywood
Sports Reporter