LOUISVILLE, KY — The Mount St. Joseph University men's volleyball team wrapped up its 2026 season Saturday afternoon, competing in a tightly contested five-set match before falling to Spalding University on the road.
MATCH: MSJ 2 – SPALDING 3 (25-18, 25-23, 17-25, 19-25, 14-16)
The Lions opened the match with energy and focus, executing efficiently on offense to take the first set. The Mount continued to apply pressure in the second set, using timely kills and strong defensive efforts to edge out a win and take a commanding 2-0 lead. Spalding responded by shifting momentum in the third set, going on key runs to secure the third set victory. The fourth set followed a similar pattern, as the hosts used consistent attacking to claim a 25-19 win and force a decisive fifth set.
In the final frame, both teams traded points in a back-and-forth battle that featured extended rallies and high-pressure moments. The Lions showed resilience late, fighting off multiple swings of momentum, but ultimately came up just short to close out the match. Senior Jude Lewis led the Lions in his final collegiate appearance, recording 14 kills on 27 total attempts while adding 17 digs to complete a strong all-around performance. Lewis finishes his season with 145 kills and 112 digs, serving as a key leader for the program throughout the year.
Sophomore Carson Reed added 13 kills and nine digs, while junior Roger Wilcox contributed 10 kills on 25 attempts along with four solo blocks, making an impact at the net on both sides of the ball. The Lions utilized a two-setter system, with sophomore Brayden Bass dishing out 26 assists and six digs, while freshman Will Croft added 22 assists to help facilitate the offense.
Despite the result, Mount St. Joseph showed determination and competitiveness throughout the match, closing the season with one of its most complete performances. The Lions continued to battle and improve, gaining valuable experience in a challenging schedule. With a mix of returning talent and emerging contributors, Mount St. Joseph looks to build on lessons from this season as the program continues to develop.
