When and Where:

Records:

Results:

Top performers:

• Junior Declan Kerns led the Golden Eagles with six kills, six digs, one solo block, one block assist
• Logan DeLumen provided a strong spark off the bench (primarily in set 3) with five kills (.444 hitting pct) 
• Shaun Mischler contributed five kills, and three
• Logan Meyer added five kills
• Senior Dominic Ruggiero handled setting duties with 11 assists and added a block assist
• Connor Ruais anchored the back row defensively with a team-high nine digs

How it happened:

• Springfield jumped out quickly in set 1 with service aces and efficient attacks, building an early lead that the Golden Eagles struggled to close despite some defensive efforts from Ruais and Kerns; SJLI fell 25-13
• In set 2, the Golden Eagles showed more balance with kills from Kerns, Meyer, and Mischler keeping points closer mid-set, but the Pride pulled away late behind strong blocking and transition scoring for a 25-15 win
• Set 3 offered the most positive signs for St. Joseph's as they responded to an early deficit with a late surge—highlighted by DeLumen's high-percentage attacking, a timely block from Kerns and Dylan Palmer, and kills from Mischler and Kerns that narrowed the gap in the final stretch; the Golden Eagles outscored Springfield 7-5 down the stretch but ultimately fell 25-17

Notes:

• The Golden Eagles recorded 20 kills to match their 20 attack errors against a strong Springfield defensive effort (Pride hit .400 as a team)
• Defensive play was a bright spot in moments, with Ruais leading in digs (9) and contributions from Meyer (5 digs) and Kerns (6 digs)
• St. Joseph's showed improvement in set 3 with better composure, fewer unforced errors in key stretches, and effective blocks (4.0 team total)

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