RIO GRANDE, Ohio – The Adrian College men's volleyball team swept the Rio Grande RedStorm three sets to none, continuing a program-best 6-1 start to the 2023 season. Sophomore Zach Molnar led the Bulldogs with a game-high 11 kills Friday evening.
The men's volleyball team set the tone early in the opening set, as they outscored Rio Grande 6-1. During the run, Chase Heuer, Molnar, and Beck Fieldhouse registered kills for the Bulldogs. During the first set, the men's volleyball team would lead by as much as seven or more on three separate instances, including 17-10 midway through the set. However, the RedStorm would fight back and diminish the Bulldogs' lead to just two points at 18-16. After giving up a 16th point to the RedStorm, the Bulldogs would respond, shifting into high gear. Over the next couple of minutes, Adrian would record a 7-1 run to close out and win the first set. During the run, Fieldhouse, Andrew Gawrisch, and Heuer would record kills to complete the first set win 25-17.
At the beginning stages of the second set, the Bulldogs would double up the RedStorm over five times. After capitalizing on attack errors and miscues from their opponent's defense, coach Jose Soto's Bulldogs would lead 12-6, after a kill by Molnar.
The Bulldogs would multiply their lead by two again at 16-8 after another Molnar kill. However, a quick Rio Grande run had cut the second set advantage to six points at 18-12. After kills from Fieldhouse, Branden Gula, and a service ace from Gawrisch, the Bulldogs had given themselves a seven-point cushion at 23-16. Rio Grande would put the pressure on the Bulldogs, cutting the lead to only two points at 24-22 in favor of Adrian. The Bulldogs remained unphased by their opponent and ended the set unscathed leading two sets to none heading into the pivotal third set.
After opening the third set with a 6-5 lead with the help of kills by Heuer, Molnar, Carson Bell, and Fieldhouse, the Bulldogs would find themselves in a two-point deficit midway through the set trailing 10-8. The resilient Bulldogs did not back down and quickly doubled up their foes during an 8-4 spurt to take a 16-14 lead. During the run, the Bulldogs capitalized on multiple RedStrom errors and saw kills from Bell and Molnar.
The RedStorm and the Bulldogs battled fiercely for an advantage. Ready to close out the game, Adrian inched closer to the match point. After kills registered by Heuer, Bell, and Fieldhouse, the Bulldogs were able to easily close out the match in fashion, completing the 3-0 sweep over Rio Grande.
Top Dawgs
Junior
Jacob Rembulat registered a match-high 12 digs tonight, marking his fourth time in five matches that he would record 10 or more digs. The sophomore Molnar recorded a match-high 11 kills and freshman Bell set a career-high in blocks tonight with five. Additionally, Fieldhouse, Bell, and Heuer combined for 19 kills this evening.
Historical Notes
Head coach Soto and his staff have done a remarkable job leading the men's volleyball program in 2023. With tonight's victory over the University of Rio Grande, the men's volleyball team continued its historic start to the season. No team in the Adrian College men's volleyball history has recorded a 6-1 record in its first seven games of its season until tonight. This evening marked the first-ever match between the two programs and the Bulldogs left Ohio with a 1-0 series lead over the RedStorm.
Looking Ahead
Adrian will return to Merillat Sport and Fitness Center to host cross-town rival Siena Heights University on Monday, February 3, at 6:00 PM. The Bulldogs will be looking to pick up their first win over the Saints for the first time since the 2020 season. Live Stats and live stream information for the game will be available under the men's volleyball schedule.
