The Saint Xavier University men’s volleyball team (as of March 4) has won three straight games including a big victory over No. 6 ranked Cardinal Stritch University (Wis.). SXU defeated host Robert Morris University (Ill.) in Mid-America Men’s Volleyball Intercollegiate Conference (MAMVIC) action on Friday, March 1.
The Cougars defeated the RMU Eagles in three sets with the final scores of 25-17, 25-18 and 25-23. The following day, Saint Xavier found themselves in a hard fought battle with the Wolves of Cardinal Stritch. SXU won in five sets (14-25, 25-19, 25-18, 20-25 and 15-13).
Over the weekend, the Cougars were led by junior outside hitter Justin Cousin who racked up 26 kills between both games of the Robert Morris University Tri-Match. Cousin had 18 kills in the win over Cardinal Stritch and that tied his career high for kills in a game. Freshman middle blocker Sam Kull posted 16 kills over the weekend as he continues his strong play in his first season with Saint Xavier.
Junior middle blocker J.T. O’Connell had a nice weekend with 13 combined kills in the wins over RMU and CSU. Sophomore setter Dan French was instrumental in setting up SXU with some nice assists after recording 63 in the two games. French also had five blocks assists and 12 digs in the matches.
With the two victories on the weekend, the Cougars now have a record of 5-13 overall and 3-7 in their respective conference.
Saint Xavier takes on Missouri Valley College in a double-header on Saturday, March 9. The first match is scheduled for an 11 a.m. start with the second match following that at 1 p.m.
The next home game for SXU comes on Thursday, March 14 against Warner University (Fla). The match is set to begin at 6 p.m.
Greg Pilafas
Deputy Editor in Chief