TIGERS OUTLAST EAGLES AT HOME
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Judson (IL) (15-8, 4-2) | 19 | 23 | 26 | 0 |
|
Olivet Nazarene (IL) (10-9, 5-2) | 25 | 25 | 28 | 3 |
BOURBONNAIS, IL. - Olivet Nazarene University's men's volleyball team weathered a late-game storm from the Judson University Eagles on Thursday night, emerging victorious in a thrilling straight-set sweep (25-19, 25-23, 28-26).
The opening sets were a showcase ONU's offensive firepower. The Tigers' offense, led by the dynamic duo of outside hitters Brody McAfee (9 kills) and Jaiton Kamaunu (10 kills), fired on all cylinders. Setter Tomas Gonzalez (34 assists) orchestrated the attack with pinpoint precision, keeping the Tigers in system and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Defensively, the Tigers were a brick wall at the net, with middle blocker Sterling Staranchuk (4 solo blocks, 5 assisted blocks) leading the charge. This collective effort propelled ONU to comfortable victories in the first two sets (25-19, 25-23).
Just when it seemed the Tigers were on the verge of a sweep, the tide turned dramatically in the third set. Judson refused to go down without a fight, storming back with renewed energy and determination. They established a commanding lead early on, capitalizing on ONU's miscues and showcasing a tenacious defense that frustrated the ONU attack. The Tigers found themselves scrambling to keep pace, struggling to find their rhythm against the resurgent Eagles.
Despite facing a significant deficit, ONU refused to surrender. The closing minutes of the set were a display of resilience and grit. Both teams traded points in a nail-biting back-and-forth affair, with the score remaining tied for a heart-stopping stretch. ONU refused to let the momentum slip away. A powerful kill by Kamaunu found its mark and tied the game at 26-26. This was followed by a Judson attack error before a crucial defensive block from Kahaku Marquez (9 kills, 3 assisted blocks) and Cade Ooms (6 kills, 3 assisted blocks) that sent shockwaves through the Judson side. This one-two punch sealed the set for ONU at 28-26, securing a thrilling straight-set victory despite the late scare from a determined Judson squad.
Looking Ahead
With momentum firmly on their side, the Tigers will return home for another crucial conference matchup against the Crimson Wave of Calumet College of St. Joseph on Apr. 2nd. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.
--ONU—
*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu
