GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Aquinas men's volleyball team fought hard in a thrilling five-set match but ultimately fell 3-2 to Mount Vernon Nazarene (OH) on Saturday morning at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center. Despite a strong offensive performance, the Saints were unable to close out the match, dropping the final three sets in a heart-breaking defeat.

The loss moves Aquinas to 3-10 overall (0-5 WHAC), while Mount Vernon Nazarene improves to 2-10 (1-5 WHAC).

Mount Vernon Nazarene 3, Aquinas 2 (20-25, 28-30, 28-26, 25-20, 15-8)

The Saints came out strong, winning the first two sets to take an early lead:

• Set 1: Aquinas took control early, securing a 25-20 win behind strong offensive efficiency.
• Set 2: A tightly contested battle saw the Saints edge out a 30-28 victory, giving them a 2-0 lead.

However, Mount Vernon Nazarene responded, grinding out wins in the next three sets to complete the reverse sweep. The hards pill to swallow was that Aquinas had two set/match points in the third but could not put the Cougars away.

Saints' Standout Performances

• Connor Staats led the Saints' attack with a team-high 18 kills and added three blocks and 11 digs.
• Kapelie Moala delivered 16 kills, two blocks, and one dig.
• Alexander Rodriguez was highly efficient, posting six kills on just 12 attempts (.417 hitting percentage) and contributing five blocks.
• Julian Fira controlled the offense with 42 assists, while also tallying 14 digs and two service aces.
• Zachary Nosky contributed defensively with four blocks and five total points.

The Saints out-blocked the Cougars 14-3, but struggles in the final two sets ultimately led to their downfall.

Coach's Thoughts

After the match, Head Coach Michael Crane reflected on the team's performance, "We started strong and put ourselves in a great position, but we didn't finish the job. Just too many times we made unforced mistakes. We have to learn how to close out matches when we have the lead."

By the Numbers

• Total Kills: Aquinas 55, Mount Vernon Nazarene 46
• Hitting Percentage: Aquinas .127, Mount Vernon Nazarene .101
• Blocks: Aquinas 14, Mount Vernon Nazarene 3
• Service Aces: Aquinas 7, Mount Vernon Nazarene 15

Despite leading in several statistical categories, Mount Vernon Nazarene capitalized on key moments in the final three sets to edge out the win.

Up Next

The Saints will look to bounce back in their next match as they travel to Goshen, IN to take on Goshen. They will return home on Thursday at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center to take on Olivet at 7:00 p.m.