Mastodon MVB to Play Two Key MIVA Matches This Week

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Purdue Fort Wayne will play a pair of MIVA matches this week against McKendree and at Lewis. The Bearcats (1-8) and Flyers (4-4) are one spot below and tied with the Mastodons in MIVA play, respectively.

Game Day Information (Thursday)
Who: McKendree Bearcats
When: Thursday, March 23 | 7 PM
Where: Fort Wayne, Ind. | Gates Sports Center
Live Stats: Link
Watch: ESPN+
Tickets: Link
Game Notes: Purdue Fort Wayne | McKendree | MIVA

Game Day Information (Saturday)
Who: Lewis Flyers
When: Saturday, March 25 | 6 PM
Where: Romeoville, Ill. | Neil Carey Arena
Live Stats: Link
Watch: GLVCSN
Game Notes: Purdue Fort Wayne | Lewis | MIVA

Know Your Foes
• McKendree is 6-10 and 1-8 in the MIVA this season. The Bearcats' only MIVA win was over Quincy on February 17. McKendree is just 1-5 in true road matches this year. Bryce Wetjen is leading the Bearcats with 3.32 kills per set, while outside hitter Kyle Wilson is pacing the defense with 1.75 digs and 0.61 blocks per set. Kyle Wilson and Tyler Poulsen were both named Players of the Week earlier this season.
• Lewis is 13-9 and 4-4 in the MIVA, with wins over Ball State, Quincy and McKendree (2). The Flyers have won their last five matches, but will have to visit Loyola Chicago before welcoming the Mastodons on Saturday. Max Roquet and Christian Prayer are both averaging over 3.00 kills per set. Roquet and Nico Paula were both named MIVA Players of the Week earlier this season.

Series Histories
• Purdue Fort Wayne leads the all-time series with McKendree 10-8 and holds a 7-2 record against the Bearcats at home. The two losses at home came in 2020 and 2021. The Mastodons won the last two meetings 3-1.
• Lewis has a 42-26 advantage in the all-time series, but the Mastodons have won two of the last three. Purdue Fort Wayne won the last meeting in four sets behind 16 kills from Jon Diedrich.

Background 'Bler
Purdue Fort Wayne handed Loyola Chicago its first MIVA loss of the season with a five-set win over the Ramblers. Jon Diedrich had 19 kills, Bryce Walker had 14 kills with a .520 hitting percentage and a career-high nine blocks, and Sergio Carrillo recorded a double-double with 40 assists and 11 digs.

Movin' Up The List
Jon Diedrich joined the 1,000-kill club against No. 14 Charleston (March 17). He is among the 20 Mastodons that have eclipsed this mark. Here's where he ranks.
15. Ted Owen - 1206 (1984-87)
16. Eddie Rivera - 1107 (2011-14)
17. Arcangel Ruiz - 1071 (2000-03)
19. Brad Prieditis - 1026 (1993-97)
20. Jon Diedrich - 1024 (2020-23)

Hello, My Name Is Bryce And I'll Be Your Server
Bryce Walker is moving up the all-time ace list in program history.
15. Hector Soto - 90 (1997-00)
16. Omar Rivera - 89 (2012-15)
17. Tom Juhnke - 77 (1989-92)
19. Fred Malcolm - 76 (1988-91)
20. Bryce Walker - 75 (2021-23)

Last Time Out
Purdue Fort Wayne took down No. 9 Loyola Chicago in five sets. Jon Diedrich had 19 kills and Bryce Walker had 14 kills with a .520 hitting percentage.

Coming Up
Purdue Fort Wayne will welcome Quincy (March 30) and Lindenwood (April 1) to the Gates Sports Center. The match against the Lions will be Senior Night for Noah Melendez, Sergio Carrillo and Carlo Mercado.

~ Feel the Rumble ~

Mastodon MVB to Play Two Key MIVA Matches This Week

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Players Mentioned

Sergio Carrillo

Jon Diedrich

Noah Melendez

Bryce Walker

Purdue University Fort Wayne Athletics