The College of DuPage men's volleyball team returned home to Glen Ellyn for a match up with the JV Cougars of St. Xavier University. The Chaps earned a 3-1 victory with set scores of 25-19, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, improving to 11-1 on the season.
Adam Janowiak led the effort with 12 digs, while Danny Overlin paced the offense with eight kills. Luc Neczek added seven kills as DuPage posted an impressive .305 hitting percentage on the night.
The passing game was highlighted by Max McDermott's 20 assists and Amadeus Morales' 15 assists, keeping the offense in rhythm throughout the match.
The Chaps were aggressive from the service line, recording aces from Janowiak, Adam Sanchez, Brayden Tejeda, Overlin, and McDermott.
Defensively, Nicholas Ockrim led the way with nine digs, with Overlin contributing seven of his own. DuPage also controlled the net, as Janowiak, Sanchez, and Tejeda combined for eight solo blocks in a dominant showing at the net.
Head coach Tolis Koskinaris praised his team's resilience following the win.
"We were able to survive against a high-quality Saint Xavier program that always seems to really showcase their depth against us. We were able to grind out a win today, digging deep at critical moments."
The Chaps are slated to have a rematch with Aurora University on Feb. 26 on the road before returning to the PEC Arena on Feb. 27 for a highly anticipated match up against lone Region IV foe Bryant & Stratton College. It will mark DuPage's first NJCAA opponent since opening the season with a 5-0 showing at the Monroe University Invitational. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
