The Dupage College men's volleyball team held the Chaparral Invitational Tournament, playing four games on February 17th and 18th. The Chaparrals finished the weekend with a 1-3 record, bringing their overall record to 4-8.
“I actually think we did very well,” volleyball head coach Toris Koskinaris said. “The two games we were really targeting were the Finger Lakes and Monroe games. We played them very close, and they were both just a little ahead of us. National There are still two months until the tournament. So let's see how this thing goes.”
COD will host the NJCAA Invitational Tournament for the second consecutive year on April 12th and 13th.
Game 1 VS Judson University Junior Varsity (10-7)
The Chaparrals started the tournament with a bang, totaling 12 aces as a team. COD also maintained control defensively with 14 total blocks (2 solo, 12 assists). In their first home win of the season, the Chaps defeated the Eagles 3-1. The final scores of the set were 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 25-17.
“It was a dog fight,” said assistant men's volleyball coach Braden Woods. “We did a good job. We came out hot right away and it was very good and even [playing]. After that, it gradually became hotter and colder. My adrenaline started to kick in a little bit, but I was able to finish very strong. Our offense was a highlight. Defense was an area where we struggled to start this game, but then held up all weekend. We weren't able to make that adjustment perfectly. ”
Freshman middle hitter Justus Barber had 11 kills on 16 attempts and led the team with three service aces and seven service errors. He also had five total blocks (one solo, four assists) and three set assists. He said he wants to get the Chaps in shape with hopes of producing consistent results throughout the tournament.
“I just tried to make a statement heading into the weekend and set an example for the team,” Barber said. “I feel like I was just coasting in the past. I've never had an overwhelming performance.'' [another team]. I was just trying to play my best for the team, so I was able to bounce back from that and have the energy to move forward through the tournament. ”
Sophomore setter Poulin Cosmapinun served as the starting setter for all four games. He had the most set assists with 36 against the Eagles. In the first match, Cosmapinun recorded one kill, two errors and one ace in five attempts. He also had one dig and matched Barbel's blocking effort with one solo and four assisted blocks. Although the game against Judson wasn't their best performance, he said the win gave the team confidence early in the tournament.
“Statistically, we did have some great numbers, but [Judson] It was different from the stronger teams we played against in the tournament,” Cosmapinun said. “Winning from the start of the match gave us confidence and allowed us to play with more energy. That allowed us to break records and play our best volleyball.”
Sophomore left winger Mike Fenley matched Barber with 11 kills on 25 attempts, but committed six errors. He also had four set assists, one dig and one ace.
Game 2 vs. Monroe College (12-3)
COD split the match 1-1 against Monroe College at the Monroe College Invitational Tournament in New York last month, winning the first of three sets and dropping the second of five sets. The Chaps looked strong offensively as they took a six-point lead in the first set, but the Mustangs rallied and regained control in the next three sets. COD continued to play offensively, but their defense was unstable. The Chaps lost to the Mustangs with one win and three losses (25-19, 23-25, 23-25, 21-25).
“Our best complete game, even though it was the toughest mentally, was against Monroe,” Koskinaris said. “[Considering] Enthusiasm and energy, definitely against St. Xavier, but the atmosphere is different than in a conference game. With them you feel a little more pressure. We did very well tactically. Monroe was able to get through in the final three sets. It was a close game and some good volleyball. ”
Sophomore outside hitter Blake Huberty led the team with eight kills and three errors on 24 attempts. He also jumped a total of five blocks (one solo, four assists) and had three digs. He cited the Mustangs as his team's toughest opponent, but said this was their best game of the tournament.
“Monroe is a grudge for us,” Huberty said. “[Last season] Every time we played them they beat us. I think I was able to do a few things this time that I couldn't do the last few times. ”
Barber had seven kills on 18 attempts and two errors. He remained consistent defensively, leading the team with five total blocks (two solo, three assists) and also had two digs. He agreed with Huberty's assessment that his COD's best game of the weekend was against the Mustangs.
“I feel like I did last week when we played in New York.” [Monroe], there was grit in the second set of the match,” Barber said. “This week I felt like we were really focused and ready to hit these guys into the ground.”
Game 3 vs. Finger Lakes Community College (18-3)
The Chaparrals were looking to start day two of the tournament with a win against Finger Lakes Community College after a shutout loss to the Lakers earlier in the season. COD's defense once again struggled to keep up with the offense, but the Lakers maintained momentum throughout the game. Finger Lakes reminded COD why they are the defending national champions with their second shutout of the season. The final scores of the set were 22-25, 20-25, 27-29.
“The Finger Lakes is doing something that goes against our strengths,” Koskinaris said. “We just need to adjust a little bit when we play. Finger Lakes is a good team, a great ball-handling team. We just have to change our style when playing them.”
Freshman outside hitter Osiel Cruz led the team with nine kills and two errors on 14 attempts through four sets. He also had three digs, one solo block and four block assists. He said he collaborated with Kosumpinun on the court for offensive play.
“I feel like I'm trapped.” [Kosumapinun]'' Cruz said. “He always set me up and gave me much better sets. In the week leading up to the competition, we practiced a lot. We practiced a lot of go-balls and other combinations between the midfields. Did. [hitters] And the setters. All of that really helped me in the tournament. ”
Fenley recorded six kills on 20 attempts and three errors. Fenley also jumped one solo block, had one dig and one set assist. He said the Lakers' discipline as a team makes it difficult for the Chaps to execute.
“The Finger Lakes gave us the toughest time,” Fenley said. “They play very good volleyball. They're very mature volleyball-wise. Their whole program is a very good program. They're not doing anything special, they're just too disciplined I think our team alone has the greatest potential. Our program needs to get that maturity and put those pieces together. only.”
Game 4 VS St. Xavier University Junior Varsity Team (6-6)
After the loss to the defending national champions, the Chaparrals made changes to their lineup before playing the Cougars. COD's bench tried to give St. Xavier a different look, but adjusted and maintained control of the offense. Although the Chaps brought a lot of energy to the court early on, they were unable to back it up defensively throughout the game and lost 0-3 (21-25, 18-25, 15-25).
“What a high-energy game, a real effort,” Woods said. “There was no question in my mind about the level of force on the floor on both sides of the ball. [The team] It was brought. They played 100% the entire time, which we weren't always able to do as a group. While not all of the typical starters were out, they showed off a very competitive product on the court. Although we lost, it was a great match. ”
Sophomore setter Beau Parker led the team with seven kills on 14 attempts, including two errors. Parker also led with three service aces, but committed five service errors. He also recorded four digs and one set assist. He said he hopes the team plays more relaxed and finds its spark in the game against the Cougars.
“After we lost the game against Finger Lakes, the team we used to play, we talked about how we should play,” Parker said. “I said volleyball is a team sport, so we have to play for each other. It's physically impossible to play this sport alone. As a team, we played phenomenal. I wasn't mad at all even though we lost. It was fun. I know everyone on the bench was having fun and everyone playing was having fun.”
The Chaps will look to settle the score when they take on the Cougars on February 28th at 5 p.m. at Claas Court.
