Fifth-Year Senior setter Christian Oviedo Setting Up a Play SXU Athletics
During spring break, the SXU men’s volleyball team took a road trip to California to play matches against three different schools. The outcome wasn’t the one the squad was looking for as they finished the trip going 1-2, moving their overall record to 7-8.
The Cougars suffered tough losses against No. 3 ranked Vanguard University and No. 2 ranked The Master’s University. Fortunately, they were able to conclude their road trip with a win as they defeated NCAA DI Concordia University Irvine.
On the bright side of the news, freshman setter Cameron Daniels was named CCAC Setter of the Week for the third straight week of the season. Daniels recorded a total of 92 assists and averaged 11.50 assists per set in eight sets.
Daniels isn’t the only award winner as sophomore libero Andres Velez was named CCAC Defender of the Week. This is the second time this season that Velez has claimed this award, he recorded a total of 41 digs with an average of 5.13 digs per set.
No. 11 SXU vs. No. 3 Vanguard University (Calif.): 23-25, 19-25, 25-27 (L)
In their first game the Cougars stumbled upon the undefeated Lions of Vanguard University. They lost in three sets which kept the Lions undefeated improving to 7-0 while the Cougars fell back to a losing record of 6-7.
Sophomore outside hitter Jan Lopuch led the squad in kills as he recorded 11 kills.
Daniels led in assists recording 21 assists, and Velez recorded six digs leading in that category.
Sophomore outside hitter Oskar Krzyzak had a good statline as he recorded nine kills, three blocks (one solo), three digs, and two aces.
Junior outside hitter Matt Pennala also stepped up as he recorded six kills, and four digs.
Junior middle blocker Alessandro Gianotti came through in the effort as he recorded five kills on six attack attempts and recorded two blocks.
No. 11 SXU vs. No. 2 The Master’s University (Calif.): 18-25, 22-25, 13-25 (L)
The Cougars suffered another loss but this time to the Mustangs.
In three quick sets, the Cougars were dominated in the loss and they fell to a 6-8 record. The squad played hard and stayed competitive, but it wasn’t enough.
Fifth-year senior setter Christian Oviedo shows out with the best staline as he records 19 assists, season-high nine digs, and a solo block.
Krzyzak led with seven kills, while Lopuch and Pennala followed behind with five kills.
Gianotti had a good game as he recorded four kills, two digs, and a block.
No. 11 SXU vs. Concordia University Irvine: 25-16, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21 (W)
After two tough losses the Cougars finally get a break and earn their only win of the spring break California road trip. The Cougars came out aggressive and ready to win and they put on their best performance to ultimately get the job done.
This win improved their record to 7-8. It may not be the record they want, but with this win they can continue to work towards improving their record.
Lopuch had himself a monstrous game as he recorded 18 kills, nine digs, four service aces, and a solo block.
Pennala also stepped up big in this game as he recorded 13 kills, six digs, and an assist.
This game was also a homecoming for Oviedo as he was a former player for the Eagles. In his return, he completely dominated with a career-high 35 assists, and also recorded eight digs, a block, and a kill.
Junior outside hitter Sean Carey came up big in this match as he had himself a very impressive statline. Carey recorded a double-double getting 12 digs and 11 kills which were both season highs. He also recorded two blocks and an assist.
Velez also joined in on the fun as he made an impact in this game recording 11 digs, and season-best seven assists. Daniels came through and recorded 10 assists and three digs.
With the Cougars back home and rested after a week of Spring Break, their main goal is to activate a winning streak. They hope to do so in their next game against CCAC opponent Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.) on March 12 at 7:00 p.m