GOSHEN, Ind. – Make way for Mr. 3000.
 
On Wednesday night, Michael Wahl surpassed 3,000 assists in his collegiate career as the Maple Leafs defeated Lawrence Tech at home, 25-17, 25-15, 25-16. Goshen won at Lawrence Tech the night before in five sets.
 
The teams split the first four points in the first set, but the Blue Devils couldn't tie it up again. The Leafs steadily grew their lead and won 25-17 to start on the right foot. The momentum continued in the second set as Goshen won the first six points, causing LTU to use up a timeout. The lead grew to 15-5, and Goshen held the ten-point lead by winning 25-15.
 
Lawrence Tech showed some fight at the start of the third set. But, tied at seven, GC scored nine consecutive points to go up 16-7. Alexander Rabadzhiev and Andy Bennett had kills and combined for a block. Wahl had a block and an assist during the stretch while Brayton Yoder was serving. Goshen took the set 25-16 and the match 3-0.
 
Goshen has won three straight against the Blue Devils and is on a three-game winning streak this season. Goshen led in aces 5-1, blocks 7-4, and hitting percentage - .326 to .067.
 
Goshen's sixth point of the match was notable. The kill by Christian Rodriguez from Wahl was the 3,000^th assist in Wahl's career. He had 212 at Lees-McRae College and now has 2,817 at Goshen. His collegiate career total is at 3,029 assists.
 
"Michael loves the game of volleyball," head coach Lauren Ford shared after the game. "He gets it so well and makes our team go. It's so nice to see him reap the fruits of his labor."
 
Along with 31 digs tonight, Wahl also led the team with 12 digs. Lucas Sauder had 13 kills. Rabadzhiev racked up nine kills, three blocks, and had four of Goshen's five aces. Rodriguez added seven kills and eight digs.
 
Matias da Fonseca had his first kill of the season in the third set. This is his first season on the team.
 
"Matias is a treasure," Ford boasted. "He's athletic, quick off the floor, and has a quick arm. He came wanting to learn and get better. And boy, has he."
 
Goshen moved to 19-7 this year with a 6-5 record in the WHAC. On Saturday, the Leafs play at #8 Lourdes at 1:00 pm. The next home game is Senior Day, on Saturday, March 26, against Cornerstone at 3:00 pm.