Grand Rapids, Mich. – Aquinas returned home to the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center this evening (Mar. 22) for a rematch against the Bethel Pilots. Bethel took the first match on Tuesday (Mar. 19) in four sets, leaving AQ seeking some redemption. However, Bethel took three consecutive sets to sweep the Saints.

Bethel 3, Aquinas 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-15)

A massive opening run from Bethel to start the match had AQ trailing 10-2 following the first 12 points. The Pilots maintained an eight-point advantage throughout the majority of the set, leading 18-10 with the set nearing the end. AQ finally got a bit of offense going, but it was too little, too late as BU took the opening set 25-20.

The Pilot's momentum transferred into the second set, starting with another large lead. AQ kept the score within five for a few points, but BU began to pull away. Bethel took the second set by double-digits, leading 25-15. Connor Staats and Chase Gil led the Saints with nine combined kills through two sets.

Bethel took the first couple of points, but kills from Gil Noah Smith-Slosar, and Quinn Silverman helped put AQ ahead early. The Saints lead did not last long as BU took 14 of the ensuing 18 points for an 18-10 lead. Aquinas was able to rally together, to score a few points, but BU closed out another set 25-15 to take the match.

By the Numbers

The Pilots statistically led across the board, leading in kills (39-22), hitting percentage (.370-.070), aces (5-2), assists (35-22), and digs (32-21). Both teams recorded three blocks.

Up Next

The Saints take on Goshen tomorrow (Mar. 23) with a 3:00 p.m. first serve time. AQ will be honoring its seniors for Senior Day prior to the match.