The Cougars before the week started came in with a 13-game winning streak. This win streak came as a result of consistent play and dedicated team work. The main question heading into the week though was whether or not this winning streak will stand. One’s things for sure, if the Cougars are going to lose let’s hope it’s not on Alumni night.
Tuesday, October 17
Is was a special game for the Cougars as the hosted some of SXU’s most prestigious Alumni for Alumni night. And on this night the Cougars also hosted conference rival Robert Morris University. Robert Morris for the season stand at a record of 7-12, with 3 of those 12 losses coming from SXU. So, going into this game, RMU on paper stood no chance of beating the Cougars, especially a motivated Cougar team who have a lot to lose. Starting out in set 1, SXU showed they had no intentions of dropping this game as they mangled RMU 25-15. SXU was not letting up as every time RMU mounted anything that resembled a comeback SXU was there to show it down going on multiple runs.
Set 2 was much of the same with SXU winning 25-15. What is so amazing about this set is that SXU’s offense was on fire. The team went on at least 3 different runs in which they scored 5 points or more. Sophomore Rory Manion obtained 5 kills in this set a lone. This further demonstrates the offensive control that SXU had in this one.
Set 3 turned out to be the final set as SXU won the set and the game with a score of 25-14. If the offense was good in the second set, then the offense was great in set 3. To close out the game SXU went on a 14-2 run which is just crazy. The amount of offensive prowess on top of defensive awareness it takes to seemingly shut out a team speaks volumes to the amount of skill this team has.
Funny enough, this turned out to be SXU’s greatest offensive game as the team turned in a hitting percentage of .467 with five players posting a hitting percentage of .471 or more. This team is really hitting on all cylinders, and if I were Roosevelt University (Their opponents on Thursday) I would be mighty intimidated. 14 straight wins now, but can the team expand it to 15?
Thursday, October 19
After a dominating home victory, the Cougars look to expand their streak in an away game vs. Roosevelt University. Just two days before the Cougars had one of their best offensive games of the season, can they use that high-paced offense to propel them to another victory?
Set 1 was a close one, but SXU was able to come away with the 25-23 victory. Roosevelt and SXU were very back and forth in the beginning stages of this one, until Roosevelt took control of the game late. Down 15-14, The Cougars began to roll with 6-1 run late that put them up 20-16. In the end, the Cougars were able to take it behind some key kills form junior Alex Lambros and Courtney Joyce.
Set 2 was a shock. SXU didn’t lose, but they won this one…with a score of 25-11. This set victory marks the highest win total by SXU in the last 5 years. A dominating set that saw SXU controlling from start to finish.
Set 3 saw SXU winning the set and the matchup with a score of 25-19. SXU started out the gates hot going up 7-3. Roosevelt started to make a slight comeback, but SXU was always in clear cut control. In the end, SXU prevailed with the win. This win comes off another great offensive performance from senior hitter Bridget Krasowski. Krasowski recorded another double-double posting crazy stats that included 12 kills and 14 digs.
With this win, the Cougars push their winning streak to 15 straight. The recent performances of this team are really entertaining to watch, because it showcases killer talent as well as great team play. I honestly believe that SXU is starting to stand out as favorites to bring a national championship to SXU, as well as a untouchable record in their winning streak.
The Cougars return to action this upcoming Tuesday when they face off against Purdue Northwest for an away game. For a recap of that game and many other events happening around the campus keep it locked here at the Xavierite.
Kenneth Washington
Sports Reporter