LA CROSSE, WI. – Olivet Nazarene University men’s volleyball team secured victory in both of their away matches in Wisconsin on Saturday.
GAME 1 VS VITERBO
The first game saw the Tigers trade blows with Viterbo University. In a nail-biting first set, powerful spikes by Brody McAfee (20 kills) and crafty setting by Tomas Gonzalez (51 assists) secured a 25-22 victory for ONU. The Tigers carried this momentum into the second set, with Jaiton Kamaunu (10 kills) providing a defensive wall at the net. A well-placed kill by Cade Ooms (10 kills) sealed the set at 25-20 for ONU.
Viterbo refused to go down without a fight. They clawed their way back in the third set, exploiting a few ONU errors. Despite a valiant effort by the Tigers, including a handful of digs by James Ballance (16 digs), Viterbo took the set 25-22.
Unfazed, the Tigers bounced back in a close fourth set. A late surge, fueled by a service kill from Kahaku Marquez (8 kills, 1 ace) secured a 25-23 win for ONU and the overall match victory.
GAME 2 VS DORDT
The second match of the day saw the Tigers face Dordt University. This time, ONU left no room for doubt, winning the game in three straight sets (25-23, 26-24, 26-24).
The entire team displayed phenomenal energy throughout the match. Kamaunu (12 kills) was a force to be reckoned with, while McAfee (11 kills) provided a strong presence at the net. Gonzalez continued to orchestrate the offense with pinpoint setting, finding attackers like McAfee, Ooms, and Kamaunu for crucial kills throughout the sets.
Every point was a battle, but the Tigers’ composure and determination shone through. Close calls went ONU’s way, with some clutch digs by Ballance and clutch serving proving to be the difference.
Looking Ahead
The momentum is strong as ONU returns home for a conference matchup against St. Ambrose University on Mar. 12th. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.
–ONU—
*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu
Originally published by ONU Athletics at onutigers.com
