The Saint Xavier University Men’s Volleyball team’s season kicked off this past Friday. The Cougars went on the road to face the Dominican University Stars in River Forest.
Last year, the Cougars had a record of 9-16. They had a 4-6 record for their home games and a 4-9 record for their away games.
In the CCAC Conference, they had a 4-6 and did not move on to any post season play.
This season, the men are hoping to improve their record and to even try to make it as far as the women’s team did this past season.
Unfortunately, the Cougars did not have the best offensive start of their season. They fall in straight sets against the Stars: 25-6, 25-17, and 25-19.
Two Cougars that lead the team with four kills each on the night were Outside Junior hitter Jake Olsen and middle-blocker Senior Thomas Matonis
The Stars started strong with scoring seven straight points and they did not stop there.
By the end of the first set, the Stars were on a 12 point run leading the Cougars 23-4. This was not the start the Cougars were hoping for, but they were able to turn up the heat in the second set.
The Cougars quickly tied the match up at 10 after being down 5-1. A massive kill from Setter Sophomore Aaron Kummer and service from Matonis evened the game.
Without hesitation, the Stars quickly responded back with five points of their own. They did not have back-to-back points until they extended their lead 21-16.
They ended up scoring the four out of the five points to win the second set.
Cougars were not going to give up yet as Olson racks up an ace early in the third set. Not only were the Cougars on top 5-4, this was their first lead of the night.
The third set was a close defensive battle and the Cougars were feeding off of the Stars errors.
Not too long after a few errors, the Stars took over the 16-2 lead after scoring five straight points.
The Cougars did close the gap after three straight kills from Middle-blocker Sophomore Ben Gabor, Outside hitter Junior Sam Rodriguez, and Olsen.
These kills made this a two point game. The Stars swiftly took control of the third set and they also earned their first win of the season.
The men’s team is off to a rough start, but it is still early in the season. The Cougars are back on the road on Tuesday night as they travel to CCAC Conference Rival Saint Ambrose.
Last year whern they played againsr the Fighting Bees, they lost in three straight sets on their home turf.
The Cougars are hoping that this game will have a better result then last years.
This will be the Cougars first conference game of the season. The first serve will happen at 7:00pm.
Upcoming Schedule
1/23 @ Saint Ambrose University at 7:00pm
1/31 #10 Clarke University at 6:30pm
Febuary
2/1 #9 Robetr Morris University at 7:00pm
2/2 @ ITT at 7:00pm
2/6 @ Judson University at 7:00pm
2/8 #8 Cardinal Stritch University at 7:00pm
Christina Manika
Sports Columnist
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