Grand Rapids, Mich. — When you have your chances, you need to take them. The Saints, riding high after a Wednesday night four-set win over Rochester Christian, had opportunity after opportunity to make it two in a row Thursday evening inside the Sturrus Sports Center. But at key moments when the match hung in the balance, Aquinas was unable to capitalize, while Goshen managed to convert just enough of its chances, resulting in a heartbreaking five-set loss for the Saints.
Goshen 3, Aquinas 2 (21-25, 28-26, 28-30, 25-22, 15-12)
The Saints came out with energy and confidence, controlling the opening set behind a balanced offensive attack. Connor Staats and Jonathan Collins helped power the early momentum with several timely kills, while Alexander Rodriguez provided a steady presence in the middle. Aquinas closed the first set with a 25–21 victory, taking the early advantage in the match.
Set two proved to be the first of several tense battles. Aquinas fought point-for-point and eventually earned multiple set-point opportunities with the chance to take a commanding two-set lead. However, the Saints were unable to close the door, and Goshen managed to rally late to steal the set 28–26, evening the match at one set apiece.
The third set became the marathon of the night. Both teams traded runs, with Ryden Luedtke distributing the offense effectively and finding multiple attackers in rhythm. Connor Staats and Jonathan Collins continued to provide consistent scoring, while the Saints' defense, led by Gage Dinges and Andrew Jones, kept several long rallies alive. Aquinas again had chances to close out the frame and finally managed to convert after a long back-and-forth battle, winning the set 30–28 and reclaiming the match lead.
With the Saints up two sets to one, the fourth set provided another opportunity for Aquinas to finish the match. Collins and Staats continued to lead the offensive push, while Rodriguez added several strong swings from the middle. Despite holding another set-point opportunity late in the frame, Aquinas was unable to finish the set, and Goshen again capitalized on the opening, taking the fourth set 25–22 to force a decisive fifth.
The final set mirrored much of the night's theme. Aquinas battled and kept the score tight throughout, with Jayden Sturdevant and Joseph Hodgson contributing key offensive points off the bench. The Saints stayed within striking distance deep into the set, but Goshen managed to score the final push needed to secure the 15–12 win and complete the comeback.
Offensively, Staats led Aquinas with 17 kills, while Collins added 14 and Rodriguez chipped in 11. Sturdevant provided a spark with nine kills in limited action, while Hodgson added four of his own. Luedtke orchestrated the offense with 49 assists as the Saints finished the match with 59 kills as a team.
Defensively, Dinges led the Saints with 15 digs, while Jones and Collins each added six. At the net, Rodriguez paced Aquinas with four total blocks as the Saints battled throughout a match that featured five tightly contested sets.
In the end, the difference came down to a handful of points in key moments — moments where the Saints had opportunities but could not quite finish the job.
Inside the Numbers
• 59 — Aquinas finished the match with 59 kills as a team.
• 49 — Setter Ryden Luedtke distributed 49 assists in the five-set battle.
• 17 — Connor Staats led the Saints with 17 kills.
• 15 — Libero Gage Dinges paced the defense with 15 digs.
• 3 — The Saints held set-point opportunities in three different sets but were only able to convert one of them.
Coach's Comments
Following the match, Head Coach Michael Crane spoke about the missed opportunities that ultimately proved costly.
"We had our chances tonight, and unfortunately we didn't take advantage of them," Crane said. "In matches like this, the difference comes down to a handful of plays. We had set points in multiple sets and simply didn't execute the way we needed to. At times we also got away from the scouting report, which led to some mistakes that could have been avoided. The effort was there, but our consistency and attention to detail have to be better if we want to win matches like this."
Up Next
The Saints will hit the road for a three-games-in-four-days trip to Illinois over Spring Break. Aquinas will face Concordia, Trinity Christian, and Olivet as the Saints look to bounce back and build momentum heading into the second half of conference play.
For complete coverage of Aquinas Athletics, including stories, stats, recaps, and the latest team information, visit AQSaints.com.
