This past week the Saint Xavier men’s volleyball team went two for three, picking up their first two wins of the season.
On Tuesday, February 5, the men faced Robert Morris University and beat them in five close sets. The sets ended with scores of 24-26, 25-16, 25-23, 22-25 and 15-12.
Sam Kull, a freshman middle blocker, continued his impressive debut season on Tuesday night, racking up 19 of SXU’s 58 kills. Kull also led the team with nine total blocks on the night.
Sophomore middle blocker Sean Blackwood also played well offensively, finishing the night with 10 kills.
Juniors J.T. O’Connell and Jason Siska were right behind him with nine and eight kills, respectively.
Sophomore setter Dan French once again had a big night for the Cougars and set his own personal best with 43 assists on the night.
On the defensive side of the night, Kull finished with nine total blocks. French led the team in digs with 13 while Blackwood pitched in eight.
After their first win, the Cougars carried their momentum into the weekend and split their matches.
On Friday, February 8, Saint Xavier fell to No. 5 ranked Saint Ambrose University in three sets with scores of 26-24, 25-19 and 25-22.
Despite the loss, the Cougars were able to come back on Saturday, February 9 to beat Sienna Heights University in four sets. The scores of the sets were 18-25, 25-14, 25-14 and 25-20.
Junior Justin Cousin and Kull led the team in kills throughout the weekend, each totaling 21 by the end of the second match.
French also had a big weekend and finished it out with 61 assists. Nick Piccirillo, a senior right side hitter, came out strong for the Cougars defensively and contributed seven digs towards the Saturday win.
The Cougars will once again get a chance to trump Saint Ambrose on Wednesday, February 13. The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at Saint Ambrose.
Amanda Magee
Senior Sports Editor
magee.a01@mymail.sxu.edu
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