Junior outside hitter Matt Pennala Preparing to Strike to Receive a Kill SXU Athletics
After an underwhelming spring break in California, the Cougars knew they had to make a statement. That statement was made when they went 2-0 this week against really talented teams.
These important wins improved their overall record to 9-8, having a positive record can be the one thing that motivates the Cougars to seek further success down the road.
No. 11 SXU vs. Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.): 25-19, 25-20, 25-21 (W)
Tuesday evening, the Cougars picked up a crucial win against the Crimson Wave in dominating fashion. They completed the match in three sets showing no mercy and letting it be known that they are the better team.
This game was a CCAC matchup and the Cougars continued to be unstoppable improving to a 4-0 record being the only team in the conference to remain undefeated.
Junior outside hitter Matt Pennala led the way in this win recording a match-high tying nine kills, and added three digs and a block. Pennala has been a game changer for the Cougars on the offensive and defensive side, proving to be a very important piece to the team.
Sophomore outside hitter Jan Lopuch had himself a good game as usual recording seven kills, two blocks, a dig, and a service ace.
Fifth-year senior middle blocker Drew Ehlers is always good for his defensive presence as he records three blocks. Ehlers also tags on seven kills in his performance.
We can’t forget about junior middle blocker Alessandro Gianotti who had a solid game recording six kills, three blocks (one solo), an ace, an assist, and a dig.
Fifth-year senior setter Christian Oviedo dominated in the assist category as he tallied 31 assists, while also recording two digs, and a block.
No. 11 SXU vs. No. 15 Indiana Tech: 22-25, 25-19, 25-14, 25-22 (W)
The Cougars find themselves with another win after defeating the Indiana Tech Warriors in four sets. With this win, the Cougars hand the Warriors their second loss of the season now standing at 16-2.
Pennala and Lopuch are an easy indication of the reason for the Cougars recent success and winning streak. Pennala recorded 19 kills, seven digs, two assists, and two service aces. Lopuch recorded 13 kills, nine digs, two aces, and an assist.
Redshirt junior middle blocker Shane Ooms had himself an excellent game as he was one of the three players to record more than 10 kills. Ooms recorded 13 kills, five blocks (two solos), two digs, and a service ace.
Oviedo performed well as he recorded a season-high 39 assists while also recording five digs. Gianotti had a great defensive game as he recorded five blocks (one solo), and five kills.
Sophomore libero Andres Velez also put on a show as he recorded a match-leading 12 digs, and three assists. This match makes it his ninth match where he recorded 10 or more digs this year.
Freshman setter Cameron Daniels joined in on the fun as he recorded five assists, five digs, two aces, two blocks, and a kill.
This was arguably the Cougars most dominant game of the season, considering the fact that three players recorded over 10 kills. And a tremendous block party from Ooms and Gianotti as they combined for 10 blocks (three solos).
It was a great game for the Cougars when almost every player on the roster had an impressive statline. It’s stuff like this that can boost confidence to a whole different level, and when everyone on the squad is confident there’s no slowing the Cougars down.
The whole team should be proud of themselves for how hard they worked to make their season competitive.
For a team that had a bad 0-5 start, we have to give these guys their flowers for keeping their heads up and grinding to nine wins and being undefeated in the conference so far in the season.
With the Cougars back on track winning three straight games, they look to win four straight on Tuesday March 19 when they play against Olivet Nazarene University. The match will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at Shannon Center.
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