Adrian, Mich. – Aquinas traveled for a road matchup against the other Saints in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference tonight (Mar. 26). Siena Heights claimed the first two sets of the match and appeared to be on its way to a sweep over Aquinas. However, AQ rallied for a couple of gritty set victories in the third and fourth frames to take the match to a pivotal set five. Aquinas trailed by just a couple of points throughout the final set, but SHU crushed the reverse set dream after scoring the final three points of the match.

Siena Heights 3, Aquinas 2 (25-17, 25-11, 21-25, 23-25, 15-11)

AQ started the match ahead 3-0 after block assists from Leo-Paul Rousseau, Chase Gil, and Connor Staats, along with a Staats kill. SHU kept the score close and eventually tied the score at 11. From that point on, a four-point run and a five-point run from the hosts helped secure the first set.

Siena Heights carried that momentum into the second set and effectively secured the set with a massive 11-1 run early in the set. Aquinas found itself behind 2-0 on Siena's turf.

The third set turned into a battle as AQ trailed 17-16 late in the set. Aquinas strung together a five-point run that included kills from Gil, Staats, and Alexander Rodriguez to go up 21-17. SHU gave AQ a bit of a scare after closing the deficit to just two points, but a kill from Noah Smith-Slosar and an error from Siena secured the first Aquinas set victory of the night.

Siena Heights recovered in the fourth set, taking an 18-13 lead and appearing to have a strong hold on the match. However, an SHU service error and two aces from Staats had AQ back within just two. That lead grew back to five once the hosts responded with a three-point run of its own.

Tragedy struck Siena as it committed five consecutive errors to completely erase the lead. SHU recuperated with the ensuing two points, but a Smith-Slosar kill, and a Rousseau ace helped AQ complete an improbable comeback.

The fifth and final set was extremely close between the two sides, as the score remained within just two points until SHU finally broke away for a 12-9 lead. Kills from Staats and Smith-Slosar got AQ back within one, but Siena refused to let go of the lead. SHU closed out the match with a three-point run, ending Aquinas' incredible comeback attempt.

By the Numbers

Staats was the only Saint to crack double-digit kills as he put down 17 points tonight with a .267 hitting percentage. He also had an ace, two block assists, and a team-leading eight digs.

Smith-Slosar had a breakthrough match tonight after recording a career-high nine kills on an impressive .500 hitting percentage.

Up Next

AQ is back on the road this weekend with a tough road slate. Aquinas is set to take on No. 13 Lourdes on Friday and No. 14 Indiana Tech on Saturday.