The (RV) AQ men's volleyball team put on a show today (Mar. 2) with an impressive 3-1 victory over the Adrian College Bulldogs. Julian Armendano had another impressive match with 24 kills in four sets. Daniel De La Rosa set a career high in block assists with 9 block assists. AQ won by set scores of 26-28, 25-23, 25-21, and 25-16. This win places the Saints at 12-6 on the season with a 6-4 WHAC record.

The first set was extremely close with both sides fighting back-and-forth for an advantage over the other team. Aquinas looked to have the first set under control with a 6-1 run followed by a 4-1 run. However, Adrian rallied back and tied the set up late. The set would go into bonus points and three consecutive points for the Bulldogs would earn them a 1-0 lead in the match.

The second set was all Armendano and Robert Valerio, as the two would combine for nine kills in the set. Again, the Bulldogs would keep the match close and stave off another set point attempt for the Saints. However, this time, Aquinas would prevail as the set would end with a service error from Adrian. AQ would tie up the match at 1-1.

The third set appeared to be in control of Adrian as they quickly earned an 8-5 lead in the set. The Bulldogs would hold that lead for the entirety of the set with a late 19-15 advantage over the Saints. Aquinas would rally late and score ten of the next twelve points to win the set 25-21.

The fourth and final set would be all Aquinas, as they raced out to a 6-1 lead. Nothing would be stopping Aquinas from taking this match as its foot never let off the gas pedal. The Saints would win the final set 25-16 and pick up a 3-1 match victory.

The stats were very balanced between the two sides as AQ held the advantage in hitting percentage (.217-.164), blocks (12-6), and digs (49-47). Adrian had more kills (49-46), aces (5-4), and assists (46-43).

Armendano continued to be an offensive monster with 24 kills (.348). He also contributed an ace, a block assist, and seven digs. Armendano has 49 kills in the last eight sets, averaging over six kills per set.

De La Rosa was a defensive menace on the front line with an incredible nine block assists. Additionally, he had six kills (.500), an assist, an ace, and two digs.

Kelsey Yogi was incredible defensively as he added 19 digs to the stat sheet. He also had an assist in tonight's victory.

Matthew Richmond continues to play well as the setter as he added another 41 assists to his seasonal total. He also had two block assists and six digs.

This was the first match of four over the next four days for Aquinas. The Saints take on Roosevelt on Friday (Mar. 5) and have a doubleheader against Missouri Baptist and Saint Xavier on Saturday (Mar. 6). The Friday match is set to begin at 8:00 PM EST in Chicago, Illinois.