Calvin’s new collegiate men’s volleyball team competed in their first matches as a member of the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League (MCVL) at the Marian University of Wisconsin in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin last weekend, on January 19 and 20. 

The men’s volleyball team –– coached by former Division I and professional volleyball player Spencer Fredrick –– consists of 13 freshmen, who come with a variety of experience with the sport, and five upperclassmen, who transitioned onto the team from Calvin’s club team. 

With such a young team, growth has come quickly. “I’m really happy with each and every one of them and how they’ve just progressed over the year,” Fredrick said.

The transition from a club team to a collegiate sport brought an increase in intensity at practice and at matches. “These practices are a lot more structured and focused on getting better, which is awesome,” junior Gabriel Laughlin told Chimes.

While at Marian University of Wisconsin, the Knights experienced the intensity of collegiate volleyball, finishing the tournament by losing their three matches. Their record is now 0-3.

In the Knights’ inaugural game, the team fell to North Park University 3-1. A kill by Freshman Nick Bultje gave the Knights a victory in the second set to tie it at 1-1. On day two of the tournament, the Knights faced off against Marian University as well as rival Olivet College. Calvin University lost both matches 3-0. The Knights played a close game with Olivet, dropping the first two sets by only two points: 25-23. 

Unforced mistakes and errors proved to be the difference maker.“I think it was a lot of our own mistakes that really held us back,” Laughlin said. 

A standout performance from Laughlin provided the team with a player high of nine aces over the course of the tournament. Freshman Cameron Dogger led the Knights in assists in all three games.

Coach Fredrick complimented his team’s preparation and readiness for the tournament.“I think a lot of players were just ready to play,” Fredrick said.

The Knights are getting ready to make their inaugural home debut this week, and the players understand how important that match will be. “We’re extremely excited just to be able to be on our home floor. Being able to play in the Van Noord is just an incredible experience,” Dogger told Chimes. 

Similarly, Laughlin expects the Van Noord’s seats to be packed for their match.“It is going to be rowdy. I have so many family members coming. We all have a lot of people coming to support us,” Laughlin said.

The Knights will host Siena Heights University on Friday, February 2.