Plymouth, WI., -- North Park Men's Volleyball secured their first victory of the 2026 season on Tuesday night, defeating Lakeland University in four sets (29-27, 15-25, 25-22, 25-20). The win was defined by a record-breaking team defensive performance and 29 combined kills from Gerald Buhain Malana (11), Jan Dragan (9), and Gino Hamoy (6).
North Park racked up a staggering 13 team blocks, setting a new program record for the most blocks in a four-set match. This total also ranks as the third-most blocks in any match in program history. The back-row defense was equally relentless, as the Vikings' 57 digs tied for the 9th most in a single match in the North Park record books.
The opening frame set the tone for a gritty battle as the Vikings and Muskies traded blows through 11 ties and three lead changes. North Park's net defense was active early, but it was the offensive efficiency of Hamoy and Buhain Malana that kept NPU alive in extra points. A clutch service ace from Buhain Malana finally ended the marathon set, 29-27, in favor of the Vikings.
Lakeland found their rhythm in the second set, capitalizing on Viking errors to jump out to a significant lead, the Muskies utilized a balanced attack to even the match with a 25-15 win.
The Vikings regained their composure in the third. Adebayo Adekule provided a massive spark at the net, recording several of his six total kills in the frame. The Vikings turned a tight contest into a 25-22 win, punctuated by big defensive plays late in the set by Dragan and Giovanni Serafini. In the final set, North Park hit a match-high .382 in the frame, led by Hamoy and Buhain Malana. Leading 24-20, Nolan Edkin stepped behind the service line and delivered a match-ending ace to seal the victory.
Top Performers
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Gerald Buhain Malana: 11 kills, 13 digs, 2 blocks, and one ace.
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Gino Hamoy: 9 kills (.471 hitting percentage), 26 assists, 12 digs, and one ace
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Jan Dragan: 9 kills, 2 blocks
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Giovanni Serafini: 3 kills, 2 blocks, and one dig
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Kevin Motallebi: 17 assists, 5 digs, and one ace
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Adebayo Adekunle: 6 kills (.313 hitting percentage), 2 blocks
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Zachary Hayden: 10 digs, 2 assists
North Park moves to 1-3 on the season as they look ahead to host #9 California Lutheran University on Thursday, January 29th.
