By Jami Sponaugle
Chicago, Ill. - As the season comes closer to an end, the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks men's volleyball team welcomed the Lakeland University Muskies to the Keating Sports Center for a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) match-up.
The Hawks (11-15, 6-5) were able to defeat the Muskies (6-17, 1-10) in three straight sets, 25-16, 25-17, 25-17, to record the match victory.
How it Happened
Illinois Tech 3 - Lakeland 0
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The Hawks controlled each of the three sets in similar fashion. In set one, the Hawks led for the entirety of the match as the Muskies were unable to keep up with the offensive attack. By the end of the set, the Hawks won 25-16.
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Although the Muskies took the first point, the Hawks immediately tied the second set up and took the lead for the rest of the set. With the Hawks ahead, they picked up the set two victory 25-17.
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A 3-0 start for the Hawks put them ahead for the entirety of the match. Similar to the other sets, the Hawks dominated offensively, holding onto their lead as the Muskies were unable to make up any ground. The Hawks secured the match victory with a 25-17 set three win.
Scarlet Hawks Standouts
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Riley Laite led with 12 kills, 17 total attacks, and a .647 kill percentage.
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Grant Couper had 9 kills and 17 total attacks.
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Jackson Van Engen finished with 8 kills, 10 total attacks, a .700 kill percentage, and 3 digs.
Muskies Standouts
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Ben Busalacchi recorded 10 kills, 22 total attacks, 4 digs, and 2 block solos.
Head Coach Mike Oswald's Comments
"The match tonight showed a great mix of all the best things each guy brings as an individual. The team communicated consistently well on the court and were effective between sets and during timeouts. We stayed patient on defense at the net and back row and really honed in on the areas and phases we had to in order to stay efficient. It was enough tonight and we'll be trying to keep the same level of focus the rest of the way."
Up Next
One game remains on the Hawks regular season schedule. On Saturday, the Hawks will return to the Keating Sports Center for one last time as they welcome the Marian University Sabres for a NACC match-up. Saturday also marks senior day for the Hawks as they will be honoring their three seniors: Michal Markevych, Jack Bovone, and Chance Guillermo before the match. First serve is scheduled for 1:00p.m.