Ehlers (from left), McClain, and Glennon with their parents on ‘Senior Day’ SXU Athletics
The Cougars swept their games against Saint Ambrose University (Davenport, Iowa), Viterbo University (La Crosse,Wisconsin), and Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids Charter Township, Michigan).
The game against Saint Ambrose hosted Saint Xavier on their turf on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. The Cougars won in three straight sets, the scores being 25-12, 26-24, and 25-17.
The Cougars had 11 total service aces against the Bees. Freshman setter Cameron Daniels would lead the team with a career high six aces, along with having 22 assists, five digs, and a kill.
Sophomore outside hitter Oskar Krzyzak helped the team secure this victory as he finished the game with a team-leading eight kills, four digs, and three blocks.
With this win in their back pockets, they have 9-0 conference record making them number one in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference and now sit at number seven in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll.
On Saturday April 6 the Cougars would have a double-header against Viterbo at 11:00 a.m. and Cornerstone at 3:00 p.m. Playing two games back-to-back is never easy, so for the Cougars to win both games deserves a tip of the cap.
The Viterbo game was another 3-0 sweep from the Cougars; the scores were 25-15, 25-14, and 25-14.
As competitive as the sport of volleyball is holding a team to 15 points and below is commendable.
This game was also ‘Senior Day’ for the Cougars; players recognized for their hard work for their program were middle blocker John Glennon, middle blocker Jake McClain, and fifth year middle blocker Drew Ehlers.
SXU put on a defensive showcase by posting seven blocks in the match. Three Cougar players were tied at three blocks each, which happened to be all the seniors recognized, Glennon, McClain, and Ehlers
McClain would have himself a game by also tagging on 15 kills, three blocks, two aces, and a dig. McClain also led the team in kills as well.
Glennon finished that game with three blocks, two kills, and a dig.
Ehlers would also have a field day getting nine kills, three blocks, and a dig. Ehlers’ kill percentage was a whopping .692. going 9-13.
The Cornerstone game was a 3-1 victory. The Cougars lost the first set 21-25 but bounced back and won the next three 25-14, 25-17, and 25-19.
Saint Xavier had a total of 57 kills against the Golden Eagles compared to their 27 kills.
Sophomore outside hitter Jan Lopuch had a team-leading and season high 21 kills in that game. He finished with 21 kills, four digs, two service aces, and two blocks.
Junior outside hitter Sean Carey would also pitch in to help the Cougars clutch their second win of the day. Carey had his first career double-digit kill game with 12, marking it a career high, as well as adding a dig, a block, and an assist.
With these three wins the Cougars improved their record to 17-8, planning to give themselves good playoff seeding when the time comes.
Saint Xavier has two remaining regular season games on their schedule. The first is on Tuesday, April 9 with the Cougars traveling to Elgin, IL to take on Judson University in the Lindner Fitness Center at 7:00 p.m.
Their second game will be Friday, April 12 at home in the Shannon Center hosting Lourdes University at 7:00 p.m.
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