GOSHEN, Ind. - After sweeping Mount Vernon Nazarene on Friday, Goshen lost to the Cougars the next time around with a four-set loss. MVNU won 21-25, 25-20, 29-27, 25-23. Alex Koscher and Leo Minetto were recognized for Senior Night before the match.

The Maple Leafs darted out to a 22-11 lead in the first set. Though they still won the set, the Cougars ended it on a 10-3. That momentum spilled into the next set, which they won by five.

The Leafs had multiple set points at 26-25 and 27-26 in the third set. The Cougars also had chances when they had 24-23 and 25-24 leads. They took the last three points of the set and won 29-27. Goshen led 22-20 in the fourth, but the Cougars scored five of the last six.

Goshen had the edge in kills, assists and digs. MVNU doubled GC in aces (6-3) and blocks (12-6). Igore Sapucaia had 53 assists in the four sets, averaging 13.25 per set. Hasan Hadzic had 28 kills, his third-highest total this season, but a hitting percentage of just .234. Ishmail Bangura had 15 kills and a .242 hitting percentage. Bruno Barac led the team with 12 digs, tying his season-high.

Goshen (12-12, 6-9 WHAC) ended a four-match win streak with the loss. The Leafs face Indiana Tech at home on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00 pm. Both Mount Vernon Nazarene and Indiana Tech are receiving votes in the most recent coaches poll.

Here is what was said about the seniors before the match:

Fans, we would now like to recognize our 2024 men's volleyball seniors. 

Please direct your attention to the court, where we are joined by head coach Jeff Phillips and associate head coach Wyatt Bollinger.
Being recognized today are Alex Koscher and Leo Minetto. Alex and Leo have demonstrated full lives of faith, unity, learning, and leadership during their time as Goshen College student-athletes. Their legacies are cemented into the history of Goshen College and they will forever be Maple Leafs.

First to be recognized is #8, Alex Koscher! Alex is escorted by his father Tim Koscher and his sister Grace Koscher. He is from South Bend, Indiana and John Adams High School and is a three-year member of the men's volleyball team. Alex is a history major with an English minor. He plans to move to Chicago this summer and hopefully enter a field that specializes in legal scholarship. Coach Phillips says, "Alex is a player who brings maturity and a positive attitude to our program. He works hard to improve as a player and has been a consistent presence in our gym. We wish him nothing but the best in his future and look forward to his success." Thank you, Alex!

Next up is #9, Leo Minetto! He is escorted by Eduardo Curvo, Lucas Cardoso, Pedro Vebber, and Luiz Barros. They have become like family to Leo, with each coming from a different part of Brazil with different cultures, expressions and ideas. He thanks them all for the laughs, advice and time they have spent together. Leo is a business management major and plans to search for jobs in the area of international commerce. He will be working on a master's in business law, international relations and international commerce. Later in the future, he will be in a high position in a company and own a business like his father. "Leo is a player who can push an opposing team's buttons, but who does the little things for his own team. He is a player who excels in his role and is enthusiastic about his job. I have no doubt that Leo's attitude and work ethic will allow him to be successful in whatever venture he chooses in his future." Thank you, Leo!

Fans, please help me give a round of applause to your 2024 men's volleyball seniors!