Oh, that is one small step for man and two giant sets won by men’s volleyball.
The Saint Xavier University Men’s Volleyball team did something they have not done all season and that’s win a set.
They liked doing it so much that they won a second set and since they already won that set might as well go for three but they were denied by Robert Morris University last Tuesday night.
The Cougars dropped the hard fought match in five sets: 25-21, 16-25, 19-25, 25-23, 14-16.
I referenced the famous quote by Neil Armstrong when he landed on the moon because it was a giant leap for this team to fight and win a couple sets for the first time all season.
I also referenced it because 1969 is the last time it feels like the team has won a game on the road.
The Cougars have now dropped their last 17 games on the road and haven’t won a true road game since a four set win at RMU back in January of 2012.
It was a tough loss for the Cougars who came within four points of winning their first game of the season.
The team was led in defeat by sophomore middle blocker Sam Krull who finished with 15 kills and four block assists.
Senior outside hitter Justin Cousin helped him out with 12 kills and five digs.
Senior setter Jacob Siska led the offense with 37 assists a new career high.
Another senior, middle blocker, J.T. O’Connell played tough at the net finishing with five total blocks.
Red-shirt freshmen Matthew Mead was a pleasant surprise for the Cougars putting in eight kills and six digs on the night.
Senior libero Nick Piccirillo led the defense with seven digs.
The Cougars really did lose a heart pounding match as they had the lead 14-13 in the last set but committed a service error which allowed Robert Morris to take advantage and steal a victory.
They sit at 0-4 and 0-1 in conference play right now.
Saint Xavier will try again for their first true road win in almost two seasons on Jan. 28 against Dominican University (Ill.).
Damone Griffin
Sports Editor