Daniela Tovar-Miranda
Staff Writer
After an unforgettable, momentous season, the men’s volleyball team was defeated by Carthage College men’s volleyball team in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament, after defeating North Central College in the opening round of the tournament.
Last season, Dominican made it to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament, losing to Carthage College. This season, Dominican faced North Central College in the opening round of the NCAA tournament in Kenosha, Wisconsin on April 15. Dominican won the game 3-2.
Being the dedicated team they are, they focused on the journey it took to get to the NCAA and what passion and drive for the sport means for the future of the team.
The Dominican’s men’s volleyball team punched their ticket on April 9 to the NCAA tournament by defeating Benedictine University in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, NACC, tournament final 3 sets to 1.
After their win against Benedictine University, Dominican has now won a program record of 20 straight matches, had its first-ever undefeated conference record, and is the first team in DU Athletics history to be ranked No. 1 in the country. This win will be its third NACC Tournament title and fifth NACC Volleyball Championship.
In an email statement, interim head coach Doug Burchett said: “I am super proud of our team for all of the hard work they have put in this year to bring home another Conference Championship and another opportunity to make an NCAA Tournament Run. We are honored to represent our conference in the NCAA tournament and are excited to make it back-to-back years and our fourth overall NCAA Tournament appearance in six years!”
Seniors on the team were proud of the effort and dedication it took to get to the tournaments.
“Just super proud of the guys and the hard work we have put in and to see that it paid off in the end (NACC finals),” said senior Mat Molloy. “The last four years are a testament to what we are as a program and what we stand for. I know that after I graduate, the classes below will continue our tradition.”
Seniors include Lucas Eggers, Daniel Sharrah, Trey Cowan, Jack McGuire, George Kougan and Mat Molloy.
Several of those seniors were recognized by the NACC, with McGuire being named the NACC player of the year. McGuire, Molloy and Kougan made NACC first team, while Cowan made NACC second team. Dominican was also named to be NACC coaching staff of the year.
McGuire and Kougan were named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s All-West Region teams while Coach Burchett was named the West Region’s Coach of the Year, which was announced on April 12.
“Winning a Conference Championship is obviously an extremely rewarding feeling and it was awesome to be able to play in front of our home fans. The DU community did a fantastic job coming out to support us to create a home court advantage, and I think it was the best atmosphere we have ever had at a home match!” said Burchett.
During the final, the crowd was seen wearing all black, many holding up signs in support of the team.
“To be completely honest, I feel like this is the team of destiny. These guys, especially our seniors, are the hungriest group this school has seen. They want a National Championship, and they are working their butts off for it,” said Mack Gonzales, a senior who has not missed a single home game this season. “Every night in IGINI you feel their drive and their energy. It’s almost electric. They fight not only for themselves, but for the pride of Dominican.”
Games and scores:
Dominican lost in the NCAA Elight Eight in 3 sets to Carthage College, Set 1: CC25-22, Set 2: CC25-22, Set 3: CC25-17.
Dominican won in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 5 sets against North Central College, Set 1: DU25-13, Set 2: DU25-23, Set 3:NCC31-29, Set 4:NCC26-24, Set 5: DU15-13.
The NACC championship game consisted of four sets, Set 1: DU25-21, Set 2: DU25-21, Set 3: BenU25-22 Set 4: DU25-17.
