ADRIAN, Mich. - Last Friday at Olivet, the Adrian men's volleyball team took a big step towards clinching a spot in the upcoming Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League playoffs, defeating the Comets in straight-sets.
Now, coming into this weekend, the Bulldogs' (6-18, 3-3 MCVL) objective is simple, and that is to win. With an even record in conference-play, Adrian will need to sweep Fontbonne University and Wabash College to secure the fourth-seed for next week's playoffs. One loss, and the 'Dogs drop out of contention.
The Griffins of Fontbonne present a daunting task for Adrian, as they stand as the lone unbeaten team in the MCVL at 6-0.
Behind a relentless attack that averages a conference-high 12.6 kills per set, Fontbonne boasts a 0.289 hitting percentage. Junior Ryan Lively paces the team's offense with 255 kills and 23 service aces. His 4.3 points per set is ranked second among the conference's leading scorers, only 0.1 ahead of Adrian's
Chase Heuer.
Lively's teammate Kyler van Rossum-O'Connell is one of only two setters in the entire league to have totaled over 800 assists on the season thus far. With 821 dimes to his name, the senior trails the local's
Brandon Ravelo (861) by 40 assists.
Defensively, Braden Woolsey actively ranks second in the MCVL with 75 total blocks, while Rossum-O'Connell leads the Griffins with 165 digs.
As for Wabash, the Little Giants (3-16, 0-6 MCVL) find themselves on the opposite end of the spectrum, hanging around the rear of the pack with a 0.151 attack percentage.
Ricky Sessions and Luke Davis have Wabash grinding offensively with 138 and 104 kills, respectively. The duo also have a combined 21 service aces. Luis Rivera has been strong on the Giants' back line, recording a team-high 127 digs.
Saturday's meeting between Adrian and Wabash will be the two program's first-ever match-up at the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center. The Bulldogs do, however, hold a 2-0 record all-time against the Little Giants, with both wins coming on January 31, 2021 in Indiana.
Live stats will be available for both matches through adrianbulldogs.com, and live video will also be accessible through Adrian College TV's YouTube channel.
