Men’s Volleyball Battles in Season Opener at No. 9 Carthage

KENOSHA, Wis. – The CUW men's volleyball team opened the season at No. 9 Carthage on Tuesday night. Carthage improved to 3-0 on the year with a 25-13, 25-17, 25-19 victory.

"I couldn't be more proud of how our guys came out and competed tonight," said head coach Curtis Madson. Their demeanor on the court and ability to pick themselves up and keep grinding was huge."

The Falcons were able to take an early lead in the first set at 2-1 with a kill from freshman Spencer Herman (Appleton, Wis.). The Red and White were able to take the lead back and win the set, 25-13. Herman led the flock with four kills in the first set.

"It was great to see Spencer Herman in his first collegiate match go up against one of the nation's best attackers and hold his own," said Madson. "I think this is a huge first step in what we think could be a great career at CUW. He was tasked with being matched up with their best and wasn't shy about going out and playing hard with him."

CUW was able to take another lead early in the second set with a thunderous kill from junior James Althoff (Kenosha, Wis.) at the 2-1 mark. The Falcons fought the entire set, but No. 9-ranked Carthage used a 4-0 run to get some separation at 17-14 to take the set, 25-17. James Althoff had a set-high three kills for CUW.

The Blue and White pushed the ninth-ranked team early in the third set and pushed the lead to three points on multiple occasions. With the set tied at 16, Carthage broke free with a 3-0 and took the set 25-19. Althoff had five kills in the third set for CUW.

CUW was led by James Althoff and Spencer Herman with nine kills on Tuesday, with Herman also leading the Falcons with five digs. Herman and sophomore Andy Ellingham (Burlington, Wis.) both were a part of three blocks. Senior Matthew Korman (Roscoe, Ill.) had a team-high 20 assists in the match.

The reigning AVCA Division III Player of the Week senior Matt Slivinski (Willow Springs, Ill.) led all players with 22 kills.

The Blue and White were able to record six blocks against Carthage.

"I was pleased to see that we were able to block two balls per set against a great offense," said Madson. "Obviously we would have liked to slow them down more, but I'd say this was a good showing for our first match in almost 11 months. We are looking to build from this."

The Falcons will return to action on Feb. 18 at home against Wisconsin Lutheran in the NACC opener.