Grand Rapids, Mich. — Senior Day is supposed to be about celebration, reflection, and maybe even a few tears. But inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center on Saturday afternoon, it turned into something else entirely — a heavyweight fight.
Five sets. Two overtimes. Zero quit.
And if you were wondering whether this Aquinas team still believes it can claw its way into the WHAC Tournament picture… Saturday gave you your answer.
Indiana Tech 3, Aquinas 2 (25-13, 19-25, 22-25, 30-28, 21-19)
This one had everything.
After a slow start in set one, the Saints didn't just respond — they punched back. Hard. Aquinas flipped the match with wins in sets two and three, playing with confidence and rhythm behind the steady hand of setter Ryden Luedtke, who controlled the tempo and kept the offense in system all afternoon.
When the Saints needed a point, they turned to Connor Staats — and he delivered. Time and time again. Staats poured in 23 kills in a dominant offensive performance, giving AQ a go-to weapon against one of the league's top defenses.
He wasn't alone.
Jayden Sturdevant battled through a high-volume match with 12 kills, while Alexander Rodriguez added nine kills on an efficient swing. Joseph Hodgson provided a spark with eight kills and a physical presence at the net, and Andrew Jones chipped in with timely production in key rotations.
Defensively, Gage Dinges anchored the back row with 16 digs, helping extend rallies and give the Saints opportunities to counter.
But this match — this match — will be remembered for the fourth and fifth sets.
Set four was pure chaos. The Saints and Warriors traded blows like two teams refusing to blink. Extra points. Big swings. Clutch serves. AQ had its chances — multiple chances — but Indiana Tech survived in a 30-28 battle that felt more like a title fight than a volleyball set.
And then came the fifth.
If the fourth was chaos, the fifth was survival.
Every rally mattered. Every touch carried weight. The Saints refused to go away, matching Indiana Tech point-for-point deep into overtime. It wasn't just volleyball — it was grit, toughness, and belief on full display.
But in the end, the Warriors escaped, 21-19.
And while the scoreboard says loss, don't get it twisted — this was a statement.
Aquinas didn't just compete with one of the top teams in the WHAC.
They proved they belong in the fight.
Honoring the Heart of the Program: AQ Celebrates Senior Class
Before the first serve ever crossed the net on Saturday, Aquinas took time to recognize a group that has helped shape the identity of the program — a senior class defined by grit, growth, and unwavering commitment.
Gage Dinges (Caledonia, Mich.), Andrew Sliwinski (Grosse Pointe, Mich.), Everett Bleyenberg (Hudsonville, Mich.), Alexander Rodriguez (Saint Louis, Mo.), and Colin Ilagan (Mililani, Hawaii) each brought their own impact to the Saints, whether through steady leadership, relentless effort, or the daily example they set inside the gym.
From anchoring the defense to controlling the offense and owning the net, this group has been woven into every part of AQ volleyball. More than the stats, more than the wins and losses, they leave behind a standard — one built on toughness, selflessness, and pride in wearing the burgundy and gold.
Saints Snapshots
• This One Deserved a Winner — Two overtime sets, countless momentum swings, and a match that felt like March volleyball at its absolute best… AQ was right there to the very end.
• Answer After Answer — After dropping the opening set, the Saints didn't flinch, ripping off back-to-back wins in sets two and three to seize control of the match.
• Staats Stepped Into the Moment — When AQ needed a point, Connor Staats was the answer, delivering a match-high 23 kills in a true go-to performance.
• Built to Battle — From extended rallies to pressure serves, AQ matched Indiana Tech physically and mentally for five full sets against one of the WHAC's best.
• Postseason DNA Showing — With no margin for error, the Saints played with urgency, toughness, and belief — the exact formula needed to make a late push.
Coach's Comments
After the match, Head Coach Michael Crane reflected on a day that went far beyond the final score.
"These are the moments where you remind yourself what this is really about," Crane said. "Yes, we compete to win, and yes, that stings, but these are student-athletes who have poured themselves into this program. I couldn't be prouder of how our guys fought, how they represented Aquinas, and especially what our seniors have meant to this team. Volleyball is part of their story — but the impact they've made here goes so much deeper."
Up Next
The Saints will conclude the home season on Tuesday with a non-conference match against the Comets of Olivet. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with Joey Sutherlin on the call. We will also be following the WHAC Conference to see how the playoff picture unfolds.
For complete coverage of Aquinas Athletics, including stories, stats, recaps, and the latest team information, visit AQSaints.com.
Another reason why every day is a great day to be a Saint.
