Chicago – The Maryville men's volleyball team posted its second straight sweep to start the 2024 season with a 3-0 victory at Illinois Institute of Technology. The Saints took the match 25-22, 25-18, 25-22. Luke Kraft led the Saints with 11 kills and eight digs, while Jacob Fischer notched 10 kills and hit .500 in the contest. David Fleischer hit 1.00 on the night as he had kills on all seven of his swings.
 
Illinois Institute of Technology recap
Set one was close the entire way as neither team led by more than three points. The Scarlet Hawks edged in front 18-17 before the Saints reeled off four straight points. After an ITT error, Fischer put down two straight kills. Another miscue but the Scarlet Hawks put the Saints up 21-18. The Saints stayed in front and took the opener 25-22.
 
Maryville again led a close set two but Fischer and Kraft sandwiched kills around an IIT error for a 13-8 margin. The Saints used a 4-0 run and took a 20-12 advantage. David Fleischer had a kill and an ITT hitting error provided the eight-point margin. The hosts got to within six before a kill by Makai Scott closed the set at 25-18.
 
The Scarlet Hawks jumped to a 6-2 lead but the Saints rallied. Maryville scored five straight points started by a Kraft kill. Scott and Fleischer followed, and a setting error put the Saints on top 10-8. The set was tied four more times before IIT snuck in front. Down 21-20, Cameron Lee had a kill before Ethan Beyreis-Heim served two straight aces. A kill by Fischer gave the Saints a 24-21 lead. Scott again had a kill that closed the set and the match for the Saints.

Statistical Leaders
Kills: Luke Kraft - 11
Hitting Percentage: Davis Fleischer - 1.00
Assists: Cameron Chambers - 18
Service Aces: Ethan Beyreis-Heim - 2
Digs: Luke Kraft - 8
Blocks: David Fleischer and Luke Kraft - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 2-0
Illinois Institute of Technology: 0-1
 
What's Next?
The Saints stay on the road and play at Purdue Fort Wayne Friday, Jan. 19.