The team celebrates together SXU Athletics
The Cougars finished the regular season with an outstanding ] conference record of 10-0, while their overall record settled at 19-8.
Believe it or not, but this squad struggled at the beginning of the season as they started with five straight losses. To see them switch the energy and end up winning 19 matches is truly inspiring.
The 13 match winning streak isn’t the only thing to celebrate as we have two members from the squad repeat as CCAC Players of the Week.
Sophomore outside hitter Jan Lopuch was named CCAC Attacker of the Week for the second consecutive week, making it the third time this season that Lopuch has won the award.
Sophomore libero Andres Velez was named CCAC Defender of the Week for the second straight week as well. This is now the fourth time this season that Velez has earned the honor of the award.
No. 7 SXU vs. Judson University: 25-20, 25-14, 25-17 (W)
The Cougars came through and swept this conference game against Judson University.
This match would decide the CCAC regular season champions, so the Cougars went out with one goal in mind: claim the CCAC regular season crown for the fourth consecutive season. They did so, being the best team in the conference with a dominating 10-0 record.
Junior outside hitter Matt Pennala led the way as he recorded 15 kills, four digs, two blocks, two service aces, and two assists.
Lopuch also stepped up as he recorded six kills, four digs, three solo blocks, two aces and an assist.
Fifth-year senior setter Christian Oviedo had himself a good match as he recorded 27 assists, and three digs.
Velez was crucial in this win as he tallied 12 digs, making this his third consecutive match where he recorded 10 or more digs.
Fifth-year senior middle blocker Drew Ehlers showed up once again on the offensive and defensive side as he recorded six kills, four blocks (two solos), and a dig.
Junior outside hitter Sean Carey did his thing in the match as he collected four kills, a dig, and a solo block.
No. 7 SXU vs. No. 13 Lourdes University: 25-15, 25-22, 25-14 (W)
Pennala and Lopuch both posted 10 kills each in the match, Pennala also recorded seven digs, two blocks, two assists, and a service ace. Lopuch had a great defensive match as he recorded five blocks (two solos), four digs, and an ace.
Oviedo also made sure to have a good match as he recorded a match-best 26 assists.
Velez recorded a good match as he had a match-high tying seven digs, and also added an assist.
Carey also dominated in this match as he supported Pennala and Lopuch with seven kills on an efficient .429 attack percentage (7-1-14).
Freshman setter Cameron Daniels played well as he recorded a match-best four service aces, four digs, and three assists.
Junior middle blocker Alessandro Gianotti had a great defensive match as he recorded four blocks (one solo), then proceeded to grab three kills.
Ehlers also joined the block party as he tallied three blocks (one solo), an assist, and kill.
The Cougars look the best they have all season, are ready to win, and are arguably the hottest team in the NAIA. They have all the momentum and a lot of talent on their side.
No matter the outcome, this is a very successful season due to the fact that they went from being out of contention to being one of the top contenders in the conference.
With the regular season ending on a high note, the Cougars have earned a bye out of the quarterfinals in the CCAC tournament. They will host the semifinals on April 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Shannon Center, the opponent is TBA and will be revealed some time next week.
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