On Feb. 20, the College of DuPage (COD) men’s volleyball team (9-1) played against the Aurora University reserve team. Heading into the game, the Chaparrals were looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season on Feb. 19 against Judson University. After a long fought battle, the Chaps emerged with a 3-2 victory.
In the first set, the Spartans took control after an early COD lead and kept the Chaps at bay, winning 19-25. The Chaps fought back, claiming the second set with a 25-23 victory.
The third set went down to the wire, as both teams went back and forth in a power match. The set went beyond 25 points, with COD having two chances to win the set. The Chaps couldn’t finish it, with the Spartans rallied back both times winning the set 27-29.
The fourth set was DuPage’s most dominant, winning 25-18. Keeping Aurora at a distance was important, as all momentum was in the Chaps favor heading into the fifth set.
The fifth set started with DuPage having control of the game. The Chaps were in a pretty comfortable position to win, as the two teams switched sides halfway through the fifth. The Spartans soon started to chip away at the Chaps lead, but DuPage won it 15-13. Leaving the Chaps with a game score of 3-2, and bumping their record to 10-1.
After the game head coach, Tolis Koskinaris said the team still has some growing to do despite their near perfect record, but the team is still motivated to push forward.“We’re still fighting ourselves on the court at times,” Koskinaris said. “Our hearts are in the right places and [the team is] really focused on winning and competing in all these matches.”
He said the Chaps were frustrated after their loss to Judson.
“AU (Aurora University) might have gotten a little bit of our frustration today,” Koskinaris said.
Koskinaris said the game plan is to keep moving forward and bettering the team. .“Just to keep growing,” he said. “It’s a long season. Just take it one match at a time. Don’t look too far ahead.”
The Chaparrals will play at home against St. Xavier (10-2) on Feb. 24, at 6:00 p.m., then head to Aurora, IL to play against Aurora University (8-3) on Feb. 26 at 6:00 p.m. They will finish off the week at home against Bryant & Stratton College (3-2) on Feb. 27 at 6:00 p.m.
