MASSACHUSETTS – North Park men's volleyball split a four-match series in Massachusetts this past Friday and Saturday, dropping Friday's matches to MIT, 3-1, and #14 WIT, 3-0, before earning straight-set wins over Dean and Fisher (MA) on Saturday.
A number of newcomers to the 2023 season led the charge in the Vikings' pair of wins Saturday. Against Dean, North Park totaled 37 kills, 12 aces, and a season-high .431 hitting percentage. The Vikings also held their opponent to an even .000 hitting percentage, blocking three attacks.
Pablo Ocasio led the match with nine kills and a block while Christian Ayar and Liam Miller contributed three blocks each. Miller also added 14 assists and Bobby Vaughn drove five kills and an ace.
In the win over Fisher, North Park held the Falcons to single-digit scoring totals; nine points in the 1st set, five in the 2nd, and seven in the 3rd. In the statement win, North Park established a new all-time high with 24 service aces. Adekunle Adebayo also became the new single-match all-time leader, driving 10 of the 24 aces. Adekunle totaled seven kills, Ocasio had six, and Xander Duenas had four.
Adding to the ace party, Jonah Johnsamson had four, Ikenna Nkuku had three and Condoy, Miller, and Walter Berthold added two apiece.
What's Next?
North Park (11-11, 1-4 CCIW) is done with non-conference play and will resume action in the CCIW next Saturday March 25, for a home match against Augustana at 2:00 PM CT.
