Saint Xavier University’s men’s volleyball team is still looking for its first win on the season after falling to Marian University (MU) Friday night in straight sets.
The Cougars, now 0-3, put together a strong effort in Wisconsin lead by junior outside hitter Sean Barry, junior libero Dominic Villa, and junior setter Moises Lopez.
The first set Friday was tight throughout. After falling behind quickly, the Cougars stormed back to tie it at eight. Each team traded blows from then on; hoping one would eventually collapse under errors.
However, each squad managed to hold steady and would not allow the other to hold an insurmountable lead. With a consistent attack and admirable defense from Villa, SXU inched to the final points of the set tied at 19 all.
MU and the Cougars were in the midst of a dog fight as the two schools traded points back and forth. After six alternating points, SXU held a slim 23-22 lead following a ball handling error by MU.
Unfortunately for the Cougars, they were not able to capitalize on the opportunity to go ahead in the opening set of the match. Despite SXU’s strong effort in the first set, Marian University was able to rattle off three consecutive points which ended up being the difference. SXU fell 25-23.
Down one game, the Cougars looked to rectify its missed opportunity in the second set. Similar to the first, game two was neck and neck throughout most of the contest. Scoring came in bunches for SXU, as Brandon McGinnis was on the attack early.
After consecutive points, McGinnis hoped to rally his troops in an effort to take command of the second set. Moises Lopez joined the fun by adding two assists, a block and a kill while being all over the court for Saint Xavier. Thomas Matonis also made his presence known by playing a major role up front as a blocker and attacker.
The Cougars managed to keep the second set close for most of the game before MU eventually created some separation. After a kill from Noel Bragagnolo assisted by Moises Lopez to make it 17-15 in favor of MU, the Cougars were not able to keep the game within two points or less from then on. MU won the second set 25-18.
The third set was more of the same. SXU tried to muster an unlikely comeback but fell short by the same score of 25-18. Sean Barry came out firing in the opening portion of the set with two kills. The effort was there, but ultimately the third set was sloppy on both sides of the court.
Of the 43 total points scored in what ended up being the final set, more than half (24) came from errors. Moises Lopez ended the night with three kills, 12 assists and managed to keep his nine service attempts in bounds. Outside hitter Sean Barry finished with 10 kills on 24 total attempts, while Dominic Villa handled the defensive effort nobly for the Cougars with a game high seven digs.
Starting the season winless is something no team wants to do. For the Cougars, it is frustrating to be a part of a match filled with many errors. With plenty of opponents left on the schedule, SXU must find a way to clean up the sloppy play and get a win. Not only to get off the winless schneid, but to boost moral around the locker room.
This team is filled with size and plenty of talent – many of whom are returning players or upperclassmen. On Friday they will have to live with the results in Wisconsin and chalk up the performance as a learning experience.
The goal now must be to leave that performance in Wisconsin and put together a few solid performances in a row. The Cougars will make themselves at home for a while as eight of their next 10 games will be at the Shannon Center.
This week Saint Xavier will match up against three teams in four nights starting with Robert Morris University (9-2) on Tuesday night.
Mike Rankin
Sports Contributor