By Mia Gallagher · Sports Editor
The Grove City College men’s volleyball team earned their seventh three-set sweep of the season last Thursday against Mount Aloysius. This victory also marks the Wolverines’ second triumph over the Mounties this season, with their first taking place Feb. 7.
With PAC play now under way, the Wolverines used this non-conference matchup to fine-tune their skills for the challenging competition they will soon face.
“It felt great to see everyone come together and play the way we know we can. We’ve been working hard up to this point, especially leading into conference play. Everyone contributed and it showed through our victories,” sophomore Keith Otto said.
“On top of that, it was really encouraging seeing our preparation and practice translate to our matches as we prepare to head into conference play,” junior Carson Good said.
Leading the offensive charge for the Wolverines was freshman Evan DiMalanta, who tallied 10 kills in the win. Good followed DiMalanta with eight kills, and junior Max Gianneski notched seven.
Making his first start for Grove City was freshman setter Thomas Krahe, who supported the offensive effort with 29 assists.
Defensively, senior Tieg Malcolm and junior Andrew Kessler combined for nine blocks at the net, while Otto, Gianneski and DiMalanta supplied a combined 25 digs from the floor.
“As we head into conference play our focus is to continue to control the things that we can control. Conference play is usually much more competitive and heated,” Good said.
“Conference play is essentially the start of a new season, and we all know the importance of that. However, if we continue to play our style of volleyball we should find success,” Otto said.
After hosting the reigning PAC champion team, the Thiel Tomcats, on Feb. 18, the Wolverines travel to Latrobe, Pa., to face the Saint Vincent Bobcats at 1 p.m. tomorrow.
