Men's Volleyball at Off The Block Challenge Preview

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—The Fontbonne University men’s volleyball team gets its 2019 season underway on Saturday at the Grow the Game Challenge. The team takes on Bluefield College at 10 a.m., followed by an outing against first year program Cumberland at 3 p.m.

Photo credit: Ann Schmerbauch
Photo credit: Ann Schmerbauch
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Team Stats

January 17, 2019

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—The Fontbonne University men's volleyball team gets its 2019 season underway on Saturday at the Grow the Game Challenge. The team takes on Bluefield College at 10 a.m., followed by an outing against first year program Cumberland at 3 p.m.

Fontbonne (0-0) vs. Bluefield (0-1)

When: January 19th, 2019

Where: Lebanon, Tenn.

Time: 10 a.m.

Live Video: HERE

Live Stats: HERE

 

Fontbonne (0-0) vs. Cumberland (0-0)

Battle for The Cox Team House Keys

When: January 19th, 2019

Where: Lebanon, Tenn.

Time: 3 p.m.

Live Video: HERE

Live Stats: HERE

 

A Look At The Griffins

  • After posting a program-record 19 wins last season, the Griffins look to surpass that mark and continue its success in 2019.
  • The team lost its leader in kills in Stephen Lendy, but return plenty of offensive firepower.
  • Mark Klusman is back for his sophomore season. In his freshman year, he posted 185 kills, a .189 hitting percentage, and 36 blocks.
  • Brendon Schwartze was right behind him with 183 kills and got it done defensively with 153 digs, and 36 blocks as well.
  • Emir Hadzisalihovic compiled 120 kills and a team-high 63 blocks, while Braden Woolsey made an impact as a freshman with 104 kills and 53 blocks.
  • Zach Rothstein, meanwhile, looks for another strong year on the defensive side of the net.
  • He was named to the 2018 MCVL First Team and Defensive Player of the Year after finishing with a single-season record and career-high 331 digs.
  • Rothstein also ranked first both nationally and in conference with 3.64 digs per set.

 

A Look At The Bluefield College Rams

  • After going 7-18 last season, the Rams opened the 2019 campaign with a straight set loss against Lees-McRae College.
  • The Rams had its struggles on the offensive side of the net with 15 kills and 25 errors for a negative -.147 hitting percentage.
  • Individually, Alberto Chiaparini led with six kills and seven digs.
  • Chiaparini is coming off a 2018 season where he led the Rams with 264 kills and a .244 hitting percentage.

 

A Look At The Cumberland Phoenix

  • This will be the first year of competition for the Cumberland men's volleyball team.
  • They were picked second overall in the Mid-South Conference Preseason Coaches Poll out of the NAIA.
  • First-year head coach Scott Barbe brought in 11 players for the inaugural season.

 

Fans make sure to stay updated on fontbonnegriffins.com throughout the year for full updates and recaps on the men's volleyball team.

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