SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Bridgewater College men's volleyball fell to Illinois Tech in four sets at the Springfield Showcase in Ohio Saturday afternoon.
The Basics
Score: Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks (IIT) 3, Bridgewater College Eagles (BCE) 1
Records: BCE (2-9), IIT (1-6)
How It Happened
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With an early separation by IIT, the Eagles had work to do to stay even. In the opening set, the Scarlet Hawks sprang ahead using an early four-point lead at 6-2. Jovan Lapera struck down back-to-back service aces to get BCE back in the driver's seat. However, the Hawks kept pushing ahead and finding the necessary breathing room. The Hawks carried with the lead the whole way in the opening set finishing with a 25-17 set score.
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In the second set, the Eagles turned the tides. BCE jumped out to early scoring runs with the help of Jax Conley and Aiden Weaver. Short scoring bursts in consecutive runs pulled together a manageable lead, forcing IIT to come up with answers. Then, with a put down by Seth Williams, the Eagles gained momentum with an 18-11 lead. Weaver and Lapera continued to find success on the attack, and BCE took the second set, 25-19.
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Three straight kills to start the third set firmly set the pace for the entire set. The Eagles returned the favor with a consecutive run to go ahead in the score at 4-3. Both teams traded attacks, and errors soon played a part in the middle of the set. With two service errors from the Eagles, the Hawks got comfortable building a lead. Weaver stayed put and helped the Eagles stay within reach with two straight kills. Both teams searched for a rhythm later in the set, and the Hawks found the opening. The set stayed at a one-point deficit for the Eagles at 18-17. A four-point run for IIT solidified the control needed to come away with the third set, 25-19.
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Both squads searched for a comfortable lead for the start of the fourth set. BCE jumped ahead first, then IIT responded with a run to take back the lead. IIT pieced together a three-point run including two solid attacks, forcing BCE to take a timeout. BCE kept fighting and pulling closer despite consecutive strikes by the Hawks. The Hawks maintained a steady lead through the middle of the set at 15-11. The Hawks successfully pulled away to take the fourth set for the match at 25-16.
Match Notes
Up Next
The Eagles are back in action at home for the first time in program history on Feb. 14 in a tri-match against Va. Wesleyan and Wilson.
