RICHMOND, Ind. – The (RV) Tigers took on the Red Wolves of Indiana University East in their first conference match-up of the year on Saturday. With an impressive performance, the Tigers swept the Red Wolves, making a strong statement as they headed into conference play.
The match started with the Tigers capitalizing on an early attack error, quickly building momentum with a five-point run.
Pedro Zavatini fueled the early surge with back-to-back kills, followed by a resounding ace that secured a 10-5 lead.
Alonzo Vega orchestrated the offense efficiently, ensuring balanced distribution, with three Tigers recording at least two kills in the first set alone. The offensive firepower proved crucial as the Tigers hit an impressive .345 in the opening set, ultimately securing a 25-21 victory.
The Red Wolves came out aggressive in the second set, stringing together four consecutive points. Serving errors troubled the Tigers briefly, but they quickly recovered thanks to the efforts of John Marcos Gonzalez and
Denzel Madrigal, who helped even the score at 11-11. The Tigers energized their play as the set remained tightly contested, creating separation with a late four-point lead. Battling through each point, they held firm to claim the second set 25-23.
Looking to complete the sweep, the Tigers opened the third set with a commanding stuff block. Vega delivered a timely ace, extending their lead to four points. Dominantly,
Mason McKinney fired a ten-foot line kill, pushing the Tigers to a 12-6 advantage at the timeout. Maintaining control, they closed the match with a convincing 25-18 win, sealing the sweep.
The Tigers will be back in action on Monday, February 24, at 6 p.m. ET, as they take on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in another River States Conference showdown.
- Madrigal had ten kills in a three-set match, a rare feat.
- The team hit a .333 for the match; this is a season-high for the Tigers
- There was a team-high of six aces: two by Vega, two by Andrew Ovalle, one by Zavatini, and one by Gonzalez.
