4/7/25 Fulton, MO – The Westminster men's volleyball team wrapped up its 2025 season on a high note Friday night, sweeping both matches of a home tri-match against Simpson and Greenville. The Blue Jays defeated Simpson 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-23, 25-18) and followed it with a dominant 3-0 victory over Greenville (25-18, 25-13, 25-21), finishing the year with a 17-13 overall record.
In the first match against Simpson, Westminster showed resilience after dropping the second set. The Blue Jays relied on a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive stops to regain control and secure the win. Connor Layman was electric at the net, posting 9 kills on just 12 swings for a .500 hitting percentage. Dalio Taouil led the team with 11 kills, while Khalil Peterson and Charlie Haas provided key support in both attack and blocking. Jake Schawo-McAlister guided the offense with 33 assists and added a service ace and a block assist. Ryan Rhodes anchored the back row with 14 digs, continuing his steady presence on defense.
Against Greenville, Westminster came out energized and never let up, controlling the match from the first serve. Layman again led the attack, recording 11 kills while hitting .600. Haas was nearly unstoppable as well, adding 6 kills on 10 swings without an error. Turner, Taouil, and Peterson all chipped in with efficient offensive numbers. The Blue Jays' serving and net defense were particularly strong, with Haas contributing five block assists and multiple players making plays in transition. Schawo-McAlister dished out 27 assists and added a kill, while Keegan Nase contributed six assists and a service ace.
As a NCAA DIII Independent program, Westminster does not compete in a conference or postseason tournament, marking this tri-match as the season finale. With no seniors on the roster, the young Blue Jays gained valuable experience throughout the year and will return a full lineup in 2026, setting the stage for continued growth and success. The strong finish at home highlights the team's development and promise as they head into the offseason.
