GOSHEN, Ind. - In their season finale, men's volleyball finished with a three-set win over Defiance to finish the season with a 13-17 record and 7-11 mark in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. Goshen earned the Senior Day win, 25-19, 25-18, 25-18. Seniors Ishmail Bangura and Matthew Dyck were recognized before the match.

After a tremendous blocking performance the night before in a loss to Indiana Tech, Goshen was dominant again at the net - winning that category 8-1. The Leafs also had the edge in kills, aces, assists, digs and hitting percentage.

Tied 16-16 in the first, Goshen ended the set on a 9-3 run. The last tie for the Yellow Jackets in the next set was at 8-8. Goshen scored three in a row and didn't look back on the way to a seven-point win. After Defiance led 9-8 in the third, Goshen used a 17-9 run the rest of the way to win the set and the match.

Goshen's .368 hitting percentage as a team was their best this season. The Leafs were 6-0 in matches when they had a hitting percentage over .260. Senior Ishmail Bangura led the way with nine kills, four digs, a block assist and a solo block. Ben Koop had seven kills, five digs, three block assists and a solo block. Gavin Furgerson had six kills, four digs and a .500 hitting percentage. Andrea Biffi had a team-high six digs and Nash Hubick had 30 assists.

Goshen more than tripled their season win total of four from a year ago. After starting 0-4 in conference, the Leafs finished 7-7. Goshen's WHAC wins came against Defiance (twice), Rochester Christian (twice), Aquinas (twice) and Cornerstone.

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

Fans, we would now like to recognize our 2026 men's volleyball seniors. 

Please direct your attention to the court, where we are joined by head coach Wyatt Bollinger and assistant coach Ian Fox.

Being recognized today are Matthew Dyck and Ishmail Bangura. Matthew and Ishmail 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 #14, Matthew Dyck! Matthew is being escorted by his parents Ted and Lesley. He is from Goshen, Indiana, and Bethany Christian High School. Matthew is a double major in Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies as well as History. After graduation, he has a backpacking trip planned for the month of May from Vancouver to San Francisco. Coach Bollinger says, "Matthew has shown up consistently for this team in how he carries himself and the energy he brings. From day one he has been eager to learn and improve and has worked tirelessly to be a positive influence on those around him." Thank you, Matthew!

Next up is #7 Ishmail Bangura! Ishmail is being escorted by his family away from home - Sunday and Susan Majala and their children - and his incredible supporters from the beginning - Val Hershberger and Jewel Lehman. Ishmail is from Freetown, Sierra Leone, and is majoring in Information Technology with a minor in Graphic Design. After graduation, he plans to pursue a master's degree in Cybersecurity, continue developing his brand B7 FLYFUEL Herbal Tea, and eventually build the first-ever indoor, multi-purpose B7 Sports Complex in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This facility will not only provide opportunities for personal growth through sports but also host national and international tournaments. Coach Bollinger says, "Ish has fought for this program on every step of his journey here. He is a testament to perseverance and overcoming adversity. He continues to raise the bar and we are all better players, better teammates, and better coaches for having shared this time with him". Thank you, Ishmail!

Fans, please help me give a round of applause to your 2026 men's volleyball seniors!