Number of the Day
2 - January is quickly coming to a close, but there are still 2 teams out there that have not played a match. Weather has played a major part in this, sadly. This is normally where I would tell you who the teams are, instead, does anyone know who the teams are?
Yesterday’s Scores
Non-conference
Central State (69%) def. Thomas More (31%)
3-2 (25-20, 25-19, 24-26, 22-25, 15-13)
These are two teams that are criminally underrated. It is a shame that one of them had to lose, but that is just how sports works (except soccer). Shout out to Benjamin Latham (Central State) who earned 14 digs in the win.
Long Island (70%) def. Dominican (30%)
3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 26-24)
When you have Kale Spencer putting up 16 kills in three sets, you win. The two matches where Spencer has put up double digit kills have both been wins for the Sharks.
Fairleigh Dickinson (33%) def. St. Thomas Aquinas (67%)
3-2 (25-23, 19-25, 27-25, 23-25, 18-16)
Pizza is for winners! This was a great match and I am so glad it was a promotional night too so that 250 fans could watch. Despite the loss, Kyran Versteegen (STAC) put up unreal numbers with 29 kills on 60 swings (.350). My shoulder hurts just typing that. He is now tied with Cole Hartke for the most kills in a match this season.
Hawai’i (73%) def. Saint Francis (27%)
3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-10)
Kainoa Wade (UH) had a big night as the starting Opposite. He finished with 14-2-22 (.545) and a team leading 9 digs!
Master’s (16%) def. Concordia (84%)
3-1 (14-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22)
It is matches like this that make me wish the model tracked D-III and NAIA programs too. The Master’s is the defending NAIA champions and are ranked #1 right now. We know this, but the model doesn’t. Maybe one day.
Today’s Match Projections
Non-conference
Barton (70%) vs Roosevelt (30%)
Queens (59%) vs Charleston (41%)
Ohio State (14%) vs UCLA (86%)
BYU (49%) vs UC Santa Barbara (51%)
Grab the popcorn because this one could be fun.
Every single match tonight could be a war. A few upsets to the model are possible.
Leymoyne Owens and Benedict college?