The AQ men's volleyball squad hosted its season opener tonight (Jan. 21) against WHAC opponent Goshen. The Saints comfortably beat out the Maple Leaves 3-0, picking up their third sweep of this young season. AQ won by set scores of 25-21, 25-13, and 25-14. Aquinas is now 5-0 this season with a 1-0 WHAC record.

The first set was a back-and-forth battle between the two sides. The set remained close until Aquinas pulled away on a four-point run to take a 18-14 lead. Goshen would match that run, leveling the set at 18. The Saints would go on another run, and it would be too much for Goshen to overcome this time. AQ would go on to win the first set 25-21.

The Saints came out strong in the second set, going on multiple runs to take an 11-5 lead prior to Goshen taking its first timeout. That momentum would continue as the Saints would finish the set on a 14-8 run, winning 25-13.

The third set would start with Aquinas coming out firing again, taking a 13-7 lead, and forcing Goshen's first timeout. The Maple Leaves would go on a run of their own, closing the lead to 14-11, and forcing the Saints to take a timeout of their own. Aquinas would respond with another run of its own, taking the next six of seven points to take a 20-12 lead. Daniel De La Rosa went on a seven-point run during that time, picking up several aces. AQ would go on to win the third set 25-14, steamrolling Goshen in consecutive sets.

The Saints comfortably led the Maple Leaves in all statistical categories, leading in kills (39-28), hitting percentage (.417-.160), assists (37-25), aces (13-2), digs (25-20), and blocks (6-1).

Julian Armendano continued his dominant run to start the season, picking up 13 kills over the three sets. He had a whopping .667 hitting percentage, an assist, three aces, and six digs for a massive game.

Robert Valerio had himself a good game as well, picking up eight kills (.462) and a dig.

De La Rosa led the team with six aces, along with five kills (.364), and two solo blocks.

Matthew Richmond received the start as the setter and picked up 33 assists over the three sets. The 11 assist per set average was the best of the season.

Kelsey Yogi had himself a great night as the libero, contributing 11 digs, two assists, and an ace.

The Saints are back on the court next Wednesday (Jan. 26) for another home match against Lawrence Tech.