Rustlers Men's Volleyball | Weekend Recap - Feb 7 & 8, 2020
The Rustlers men's volleyball team split their weekend series with the Augustana Vikings, clinching them a playoff spot for the first time since 2008 (12 years)!
On Friday night at home, the Rustlers defeated the Vikings 3-1 (29-27, 23-25, 27-25, 25-21). The match was close the whole way through. At 27-27 in the first set, fourth year outside hitter, Cole Sutherland had back-to-back service aces to win the set for the Rustlers, 29-27.
In the second set, the Vikings were not fazed by the first set loss and would defeat the Rustlers in a close second set, 25-23. The third set was another close one, with the teams trading nearly point for point. The Rustlers would win the third set in extra points again, 27-25.
The Rustlers showed a bit more control over the game in the fourth set, and they would win the set 25-21 and the match 3-1. The win was the Rustlers' 11th of the season and would allow for them to clinch a spot at the ACAC Conference Championships for the first time in 12 years.
The Rustlers were led by first-year outside hitter, Ryan van Oosterwijk with 11 kills, 6 digs and 1 block. Fourth-year outside hitter, Cole Sutherland added 10 kills, 7 service aces, 7 digs and 2 blocks to earn himself player of the game.
Right side Tyson Deschene had 8 kills, 3 service aces and 2 digs in the match, and second-year setter, Lane Blight totalled 38 assists, 1 kill, and 7 digs.
On Saturday, the Rustlers would fall to the Vikings in 4 sets (30-28, 21-25, 18-25, 10-25). The Vikings came out strong to start the game, challenging the Rustlers with some impressive defense. The Rustlers would win the first set in extra points 30-28.
The Vikings would then virtually take over the match. The Rustlers would lose the second set 21-25, and the third set 18-25. In the fourth set the Rustlers struggled on serve receive and defensively and they would lose, 10-25, and lose the match 1-3.
The Rustler effort was led by first-year outside hitter, Mason Short with 12 kills, 3 digs and 2 blocks, earning him player of the game. Ryan van Oosterwijk totalled 10 kills, and 2 digs in the match, and Brady Cole had 5 kills, 2 service aces, 2 digs and 3 blocks.
The Rustlers men's volleyball team are heading into their final weekend of competition this weekend to take on the King's University Eagles. The Rustlers will be at home Saturday, February 15 at 8 pm for their final home game of the season before their bye weekend and their trip to the ACAC Conference Championships at the end of February.