Box Score GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Aquinas men's volleyball team showed resilience and depth Wednesday night, adjusting its lineup and ultimately overpowering Olivet in four sets at home. The victory marks the Saints' second straight win as they continue to build momentum.
Aquinas 3, Olivet 1 (25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-16)
Head Coach Michael Crane opted for a fresh look early in the match, giving less experienced players a shot at proving themselves. The adjustment led to some early struggles, with Aquinas dropping the second set and battling inconsistency. However, midway through the third frame, Crane returned to the team's usual starting lineup, and the Saints responded by taking control.
"Our service wasn't great, and it kept us out of our system, which caused us some headaches," Coach Michael Crane said. "But once we settled in, we started to play volleyball the way we're supposed to."
Offensive Standouts Fuel Victory
Kapelie Moala led the Saints with a dominant performance, racking up 17 kills on an impressive .429 hitting percentage. Connor Staats added 14 kills despite some early attack errors, while Jonathan Collins contributed 10 kills with a .400 efficiency. Aquinas finished with a .291 hitting percentage as a team, outpacing Olivet's .204 mark.
Setter Ryden Luedtke was instrumental in running the offense, dishing out 15 assists while also recording a service ace. Julian Fira added 24 assists of his own and a pair of aces.
Strong Finish Secures the Win
After regaining control in the third set, Aquinas surged in the fourth, hitting a match-best .588 while limiting Olivet to just 16 points. The Saints' block came alive late, with Alexander Rodriguez leading the way with four block assists, while Staats and Collins chipped in key stops at the net.
With the win, Aquinas improves to 4-10 overall and 1-5 in WHAC play. The Saints will look to extend their winning streak in their next matchup.
By the Numbers
Up Next
The Saints continue their homestand on Tuesday night when they challenge WHAC conference foe Siena Heights. The battle of the Saints is scheduled for a 7:00 PM start at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center.
