1/26/25 Fulton, MO - The Westminster volleyball team participated in the Marian Tournament from January 24-25, finishing the weekend with a 2-2 record over four competitive matches. The Blue Jays (6-5) displayed resilience and determination throughout the tournament, highlighted by two thrilling victories and two hard-fought losses.
Match 1 vs Adrian 0 (3-0)
Westminster opened the tournament with a commanding sweep over Adrian, securing the match in three closely contested sets (25-22, 31-29, 25-23). The team showcased offensive balance and defensive stability. Aidan Ortmann led the offense with 12 kills and a remarkable .462 hitting percentage, adding 13 points to the Blue Jays' total. Derrick Turner contributed 10 kills with a .471 hitting percentage, while Connor Layman Dalio Taouil, and Khalil Peterson added 6 kills each. Ryan Rhodes anchored the back row with 11 digs, while Jake Schawo-McAlister tallied 27 assists.
Match 2 vs Marian (1-3)
In their second match, the Blue Jays fell to Marian in four sets (14-25, 25-17, 23-25, 19-25). Despite a strong second-set performance, Westminster struggled with consistency. Turner led with 10 kills, while Lucas Brown added 7 kills and contributed defensively with 3 blocks. Schawo-McAlister continued to excel with 29 assists, and Taouil led the defense with 10 digs.
Match 3 vs Wis.-Stevens Point (0-3)
The Blue Jays faced a tough opponent in Wisconsin-Stevens Point, dropping the match in straight sets (21-25, 23-25, 21-25). Ortmann delivered another standout performance with 12 kills, alongside 11 digs. Schawo-McAlister notched 29 assists, while Turner and Taouil chipped in with 5 kills each.
Match 4 vs Calvin (3-2)
Westminster closed the tournament on a high note, outlasting Calvin in a five-set thriller (25-23, 20-25, 25-22, 18-25, 15-10). The team showed grit and composure in the decisive fifth set. Brown and Ortmann led the charge with 7 and 6 kills, while Turner added 7 kills and 8.5 total points. Schawo-McAlister recorded 26 assists and 12 digs, and Rhodes led the team defensively with 17 digs.
The Blue Jays will return home for their first home match of the season on Tuesday, January 28, as they face Greenville at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the team as they aim to build on their strong performances from the tournament.
