Glen Ellyn, IL – The Monroe University men's volleyball team split its Saturday slate, defeating Saint Xavier University (25-15, 16-25, 27-25, 20-25, 17-15) in a thrilling five-set match before falling to Judson University (25-22, 25-14, 26-28, 20-25, 15-17) in five sets.
It was an all-around effort against the Cougars to start off the day. While freshman
Santiago Valenca paced the Mustangs with 11 kills in the match, four other players recorded four or more kills as the offense was spread out well.
What dictated the exciting victory was the defense as Monroe pieced together 57 digs. Freshman
Erick Concepcion tallied a team-high 14 digs, while freshman
Roy Cepeda and Valenca each recorded 12.
The first two sets mirrored each other as each team had their way with the other. A crucial third set went the way of the Mustangs as they prevailed, 27-25. Errors caught up with Monroe in the fourth set to lock the match up at two.
A decisive fifth set went Monroe's way despite only five kills on 17 attempts. After falling to the College of DuPage the day prior, Monroe rebounded nicely with a well-rounded team effort, handing Saint Xavier its first loss of the season in the process.
The second match against Judson was all Monroe early as it racked up a 20-to-6 kill differential across the first two sets. A narrow loss in set number three gave Judson the momentum, however, as the Eagles two close victories in set four and five to take the win.
Valenca racked up 21 kills, while Concepcion tallied 13 in the loss. Freshman
Murilo Gibeli recorded a new season-high 43 assists.
Monroe will wrap up the College of DuPage Tournament when they take on Finger Lakes Community College (11:00 am) and Bryant & Stratton College (1:00 pm) on Sunday.
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 28 teams competing across nine sports. There are 20 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at
www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (
Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (
@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (
@monroemustangs).
