Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas men's volleyball team had an eventful day today (Mar. 23). The day started with the team celebrating Daniel Austin, Leo-Paul Rousseau, Joseph Koss, Ernesto Lopez, and Chase Gil for their time and dedication towards the athletics program. AQ then took on Goshen in a three-set battle. The Maple Leafs took all three sets, but Aquinas pushed the first and third sets past 25 points with plenty of back-and-forth action.

Goshen 3, Aquinas 0 (28-26, 25-11, 29-27)

Both teams struggled to start the match as errors plagued both sides. A couple of Austin aces and a pair of Koss kills helped get the AQ offense going, holding a slim 16-15 lead. The Saints appeared to be in position to take the opening set after a Gil kill and an error had AQ ahead 23-21. However, a Goshen timeout appeared to give the visitors the remedy needed.

Coming out of the timeout, the Maple Leafs scored the subsequent three points to turn the tides of the set. Aquinas tied the score three times, but GC completed the comeback for a 28-26 victory.

That momentum rolled into the second set as Goshen quickly took a 2-0 match lead with a strong 25-11 performance.

The Saints finally got the offensive gears turning in the third set as the two teams battled it out in an extremely close set. Neither team led by more than two points throughout the entirety of the set. Aquinas recorded more kills in the third set than in the first two sets combined.

Aquinas had a set point opportunity on three separate occasions, but Goshen found an answer every time. An AQ error finally gave the Maple Leafs a match-point opportunity and they capitalized, ending the third set 29-27.

By the Numbers

Gil led the team with seven kills and an impressive .500 hitting percentage. He also had an assist, two digs, and three block assists.

Austin concluded the contest with a team-high two aces and seven digs.

Up Next

The Saints start a four-match road stand on Tuesday (Mar. 26) with a trip to Adrian to take on Siena Heights.