GOSHEN, Ind. – The men's volleyball team earned their first conference win of the season in a three-set sweep over Siena Heights on Saturday in Goshen. The Saints, who are receiving votes in the NAIA coaches poll, lost 25-18, 25-17, 25-16 to the Maple Leafs.
 
This is the first time Goshen has beat Siena Heights in fewer than five sets. All three sets were tied at nine at one point. But the Leafs were able to separate themselves from the competition in each set as well.
 
"We really tried to ride the momentum of the last match," said head coach Lauren Ford. While Goshen lost in three sets to #9 Indiana Tech on Tuesday, they were all so close. "We used that as motivation. We tightened up a few areas and really focused on the little things, the fundamentals."
 
Alexander Rabadzhiev and Lucas Sauder had double-digit kills - 16 and 13. Michael Wahl recorded 34 assists and Brayton Yoder led the way with ten digs.
 
Andy Bennett recorded a block in the third set that was his 250^th in his career. Bennett has the program record in this category and now sits at an even 250, for now.
 
Ian Fox had seven kills, no errors, and a hitting percentage of .700. "All the work that Ian has put in at practice is coming out in matches," said Ford. "It's helped us out a lot."
 
Siena Heights was 5-1 coming into the match and took their first loss this season in straight sets. The Saints have already swept three opponents of their own this year.
 
Goshen finished the match with a .400 hitting percentage – their highest of the season by far. GC had 40 kills and a season-low eight errors. They also were ahead of the Saints in kills, aces, blocks, and assists.
 
On Wednesday, February 2, the Maple Leafs are on the road at Lawrence Tech at 7:00 pm. The next home match will be Saturday, February 5. At 7:00 pm, Goshen will take on #5 Lourdes.