The (RV) AQ men's volleyball team took on the #9 Indiana Tech Warriors in a huge WHAC matchup last night (Jan. 29). Both teams were undefeated heading into the match. Unfortunately for the Saints, IT would remain undefeated after the match. The Warriors won by set scores of 25-21, 25-21, 20-25, and 25-13 for a 3-1 victory. Aquinas is now 6-1 with a 2-1 WHAC record.
The match looked to be going in favor of the Saints early on, as AQ jumped out to an early 6-1 lead in the first set. However, the Warriors would rally back with a 13-5 run to take the lead back. Both teams would go back-and-forth, but the massive run for Indiana Tech was enough to keep the advantage and win the first set 25-21.
Both teams would go on several four and five point runs in the second set, but IT would go on one more, giving the Warriors another 25-21 victory in the second set. Aquinas would get a rally together in the third set. The Saints jumped out to an early 11-3 lead in the third set. Indiana Tech tried to make the set interesting, but the early lead was too much for the Warriors to overcome. Aquinas would bring the match to 2-1.
There would be no comeback in the fourth set. Indiana Tech started off the set hot and carried that momentum throughout the set. IT would comfortably beat Aquinas 25-13 in the fourth and final set.
The Warriors held an advantage in nearly all statistical categories, leading in kills (51-37), hitting percentage (.265-.112), assists (49-37), digs (44-34), and total blocks (9-8). AQ had one more ace than IT (5-4).
Julian Armendano led both teams in kills with 12 (.057). He also contributed two assists, three digs, and two blocking assists to the effort last night.
Joshua Boothroyd and
Robert Valerio were right behind Armendano in kills with nine kills (.067) and eight kills (.273), respectively. Boothroyd also had an ace, seven digs, and a block assist. Valerio added three digs himself, along with two solo blocks and a block assist.
Matthew Richmond started at setter again, adding 25 assists to his season total. The senior from Illinois also added four digs to his stat line for the night.
The Saints have a quick turnaround with a road match against their crosstown rivals, Cornerstone, tomorrow night (Jan. 31). The matchup is set to begin at 7 PM and will be played at Mol Arena.
