CHICAGO—The Illinois Institute of Technology men's volleyball team ended their abbreviated 2021 season with a Friday-night bout at MSOE. The Scarlet Hawks, who failed to hit above .000 for the first time this season, couldn't find rhythm in a 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-15) loss to the Raiders.
The Scarlet Hawks finish the 2021 season with a 3-7, 3-7 NACC record while MSOE will enter the 2021 NACC Men's Volleyball Tournament with a 9-7, 8-3 NACC mark.
"This season really showed that our athletic department can accomplish anything if we all work together," said head men's volleyball coach Mark Johnston. "Our athletic training staff went above and beyond to make sure certain teams were able to have seasons this year after losing them last year. Being the only NACC school in Chicago, we had to face more challenges than other schools. Our student-athletes did a great job adjusting to all the new rules and guidelines set this season. The fact all our spring teams were able to compete speaks volumes to what our athletic department is willing to do to keep our stuident-athletes involved."
MSOE 3, Illinois Tech 0
Illinois Tech led just once in the match, a 5-4 advantage in the third set. Christopher Guillermo made his debut as a setter for the Scarlet Hawks, and finished the match with 12 assists and a team-leading six digs. Most of those assists benefitted Grant Couper, who paced Illinois Tech with nine kills. Evan Robeck and Patrick Dunne each notched a pair of blocks for the Scarlet Hawks.
Tyler Christensen paced the Raiders with a game-high 14 kills.
The Scarlet Hawks 2021 roster consisted of five seniors. Fifth-year senior Evan Robeck played his final game for Illinois Tech. Roman Sydorchuk, Andriy Bench, Hani Salameh, and Mihailo Djuric all have the option to return an additional season as a result of the 2020 season being cut short due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
"This year was a learning experience for everyone and has made us all better at our jobs," said Johnston.