
Photo by: Lucas Carter
Mastodons Hit the Road to Face Mount Olive College in Weekend Doubleheader
1/26/2012 12:14:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
GAMES NOTES
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The IPFW men's volleyball team (3-3) hits the road this weekend to face Division II power Mount Olive College in a pair of matches in Mount Olive, N.C. The first match starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. on Fri, Jan. 27.
BACK FOR MORE
The IPFW men's volleyball team returns to the court for its 32rd season, all under the direction of legendary head coach Arnie Ball. In 2012, IPFW welcomes back five starters from last season's squad that finished 16-12 overall and 5-7 in the MIVA, leading to a fifth place finish in the conference standings. On offense, outside hitters senior Ivan Matos, senior Jonathan Meyer, junior Elon Fyfield, junior Phil Peterson and sophomore Eddie Rivera will lead the 'Don attack, as each is capable of hitting for double-digit kill totals. Middle hitters junior Rob Samp and senior Corey Frain, along with sophomore libero JW Kieckhefer will anchor the Mastodon defense in 2012. Freshman Omar Rivera will see his first action at setter.
PRESEASON SELECTIONS
The Mastodons were picked sixth in the 2012 MIVA Preseason Coaches Poll. Loyola was selected as the conference favorite, followed by Ohio State, Lewis, Ball State, and Quincy. Grand Canyon finished one spot behind IPFW for seventh place. Mastodon senior Ivan Matos was selected to the preseason all-conference team.
LAST TIME OUT
For the second time this season, the George Mason Patriots took down the IPFW Mastodons in five sets, sweeping the two-match series with a 3-2 win on Jan. 21in Fort Wayne, Ind. Phil Peterson led the 'Dons for the second-straight night with a career-high 18 kills. Omar Rivera also posted a career-high with 55 assists. Corey Frain and Ivan Matos each totaled 10 kills. Despite the loss, IPFW has won two of its last three matches.
SCOUTING THE TROJANS
Located in Mount Olive, N.C., the Mount Olive Cop both wllege Trojans sit at 2-2 this winter, picking up wins over Barton College. Regarded as one of the top Division II programs on the East Coast, Mount Olive has won back-to-back Conference Carolinas regular season championships. Five starters return from 2011, starting with Conference Carolinas Most Valuable players a year ago John Nunns. Th e 6-5 middle hitter has totaled 17 kills and a team-leading five blocks this season. With 32 kills, Adam Miracle is the go-to weapon on the outside, while 6-10 middle hitter Jack Tutty clogs the middle with his length and experience. Th e Trojans are coached by Cole Tallman.
MASTODON SPOTLIGHT: OMAR RIVERA
Rivera, a 6-3 freshman from Toa Alta, P.R., earned a spot in the IPFW starting lineup back on Jan. 7, when the Mastodons took on Puerto Rico. With many great setters to come through the Mastodon program, notably Olympic champion and IPFW legend Lloy Ball, it was an unique opportunity for Rivera, who some say has a “great feel for the game.” In his first-ever collegiate game, the freshman didn't disappoint, as he dished 25 assists in IPFW's 3-2 win over Puerto Rico. Since then, Rivera has raised his game, distinctly in the statsheet, where he recently posted a season-high 55 assists against George Mason. After six games, Rivera ranks third in the MIVA in total assists (250) and fourth in assists per set (10). Look for the young frosh to develop throughout the season and during his Mastodon career.
NOT A HOUSE, IT'S A HOME
After opening the 2012 season with four road games, the Mastodons will play four of their next six games at the comfort of the Gates Sports Center. IPFW is 1-1 at home in 2012.
GATES GETS A FACELIFT
Out with old in with the new. The Hilliard Gates Sports Center now offers seat-back chairs and white painted walls in the 1,900 seat gymnasium. In addition, a new indoor track, fitness center, weightroom and wellness center make up the storied building that has been called the home of IPFW Athletics since 1981.
AROUND THE MIVA
At 4-0, Quincy remains as the lone undefeated team in the conference...Three MIVA teams are ranked in the top-25 national poll: Lewis (7), Ohio State (10), Loyola (14)...Shawn Sangrey of Ohio State (off ense) and Tommy Rouse of Ball State (defense) were named the MIVA players of the week, announced Jan. 23.
TEAM NOTES
On March 26, 2011, Arnie Ball earned win No. 500 against Carthage at the Gates Sports Center. In 32 seasons, Ball has amassed a 507-374 overall record, while guiding IPFW to six NCAA Final Four appearances and six MIVA titles...The Mastodon roster is made up of 26 players, including six seniors, four juniors, six sophomores and 10 freshmen.
MASTODON ALUMNI WEEKEND
Between sets 2 and 3 on Feb. 3 against Lewis, the Mastodon men's volleyball program will recognize 14 former players in celebration with alumni weekend. Th e following day on Feb. 4, a team put together of alumni players will take on the 2012 IPFW team in a best of five match at the Gates Sports Center. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The IPFW men's volleyball team (3-3) hits the road this weekend to face Division II power Mount Olive College in a pair of matches in Mount Olive, N.C. The first match starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. on Fri, Jan. 27.
BACK FOR MORE
The IPFW men's volleyball team returns to the court for its 32rd season, all under the direction of legendary head coach Arnie Ball. In 2012, IPFW welcomes back five starters from last season's squad that finished 16-12 overall and 5-7 in the MIVA, leading to a fifth place finish in the conference standings. On offense, outside hitters senior Ivan Matos, senior Jonathan Meyer, junior Elon Fyfield, junior Phil Peterson and sophomore Eddie Rivera will lead the 'Don attack, as each is capable of hitting for double-digit kill totals. Middle hitters junior Rob Samp and senior Corey Frain, along with sophomore libero JW Kieckhefer will anchor the Mastodon defense in 2012. Freshman Omar Rivera will see his first action at setter.
PRESEASON SELECTIONS
The Mastodons were picked sixth in the 2012 MIVA Preseason Coaches Poll. Loyola was selected as the conference favorite, followed by Ohio State, Lewis, Ball State, and Quincy. Grand Canyon finished one spot behind IPFW for seventh place. Mastodon senior Ivan Matos was selected to the preseason all-conference team.
LAST TIME OUT
For the second time this season, the George Mason Patriots took down the IPFW Mastodons in five sets, sweeping the two-match series with a 3-2 win on Jan. 21in Fort Wayne, Ind. Phil Peterson led the 'Dons for the second-straight night with a career-high 18 kills. Omar Rivera also posted a career-high with 55 assists. Corey Frain and Ivan Matos each totaled 10 kills. Despite the loss, IPFW has won two of its last three matches.
SCOUTING THE TROJANS
Located in Mount Olive, N.C., the Mount Olive Cop both wllege Trojans sit at 2-2 this winter, picking up wins over Barton College. Regarded as one of the top Division II programs on the East Coast, Mount Olive has won back-to-back Conference Carolinas regular season championships. Five starters return from 2011, starting with Conference Carolinas Most Valuable players a year ago John Nunns. Th e 6-5 middle hitter has totaled 17 kills and a team-leading five blocks this season. With 32 kills, Adam Miracle is the go-to weapon on the outside, while 6-10 middle hitter Jack Tutty clogs the middle with his length and experience. Th e Trojans are coached by Cole Tallman.
MASTODON SPOTLIGHT: OMAR RIVERA
Rivera, a 6-3 freshman from Toa Alta, P.R., earned a spot in the IPFW starting lineup back on Jan. 7, when the Mastodons took on Puerto Rico. With many great setters to come through the Mastodon program, notably Olympic champion and IPFW legend Lloy Ball, it was an unique opportunity for Rivera, who some say has a “great feel for the game.” In his first-ever collegiate game, the freshman didn't disappoint, as he dished 25 assists in IPFW's 3-2 win over Puerto Rico. Since then, Rivera has raised his game, distinctly in the statsheet, where he recently posted a season-high 55 assists against George Mason. After six games, Rivera ranks third in the MIVA in total assists (250) and fourth in assists per set (10). Look for the young frosh to develop throughout the season and during his Mastodon career.
NOT A HOUSE, IT'S A HOME
After opening the 2012 season with four road games, the Mastodons will play four of their next six games at the comfort of the Gates Sports Center. IPFW is 1-1 at home in 2012.
GATES GETS A FACELIFT
Out with old in with the new. The Hilliard Gates Sports Center now offers seat-back chairs and white painted walls in the 1,900 seat gymnasium. In addition, a new indoor track, fitness center, weightroom and wellness center make up the storied building that has been called the home of IPFW Athletics since 1981.
AROUND THE MIVA
At 4-0, Quincy remains as the lone undefeated team in the conference...Three MIVA teams are ranked in the top-25 national poll: Lewis (7), Ohio State (10), Loyola (14)...Shawn Sangrey of Ohio State (off ense) and Tommy Rouse of Ball State (defense) were named the MIVA players of the week, announced Jan. 23.
TEAM NOTES
On March 26, 2011, Arnie Ball earned win No. 500 against Carthage at the Gates Sports Center. In 32 seasons, Ball has amassed a 507-374 overall record, while guiding IPFW to six NCAA Final Four appearances and six MIVA titles...The Mastodon roster is made up of 26 players, including six seniors, four juniors, six sophomores and 10 freshmen.
MASTODON ALUMNI WEEKEND
Between sets 2 and 3 on Feb. 3 against Lewis, the Mastodon men's volleyball program will recognize 14 former players in celebration with alumni weekend. Th e following day on Feb. 4, a team put together of alumni players will take on the 2012 IPFW team in a best of five match at the Gates Sports Center. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.
~Feel the Rumble~
PFW vs Maryville (Men's Volleyball)
Tuesday, March 11
PFW vs Thomas More (Mens Volleyball)
Friday, March 07
PFW vs Lindenwood (Mens Volleyball)
Friday, February 28
PFW vs Queens (Mens Volleyball)
Thursday, February 13

























