Mastodons Survive Five-Set Battle Against Maryville

Tuesday, March 11

Fort Wayne, Ind.

7 PM

Purdue Fort Wayne

8-9,1-7MIVA

Maryville

9-8,2-1DI Independent

Maryville (MO)

Purdue Fort Wayne

Axel Melendez Watts

Photo by: Josh Gales

Mastodons Survive Five-Set Battle Against Maryville

3/11/2025 9:34:00 PM | Men's Volleyball

Box Score Box Score

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Purdue Fort Wayne men's volleyball team outlasted the Maryville Saints in a five-set thriller (20-25, 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 16-14) on Tuesday (March 11).

Entering the fifth set, after each team claimed two sets a piece, Maryville jumped out to a 5-1 lead. However, the 'Dons were able to counter with a 4-0 run of their own. The Saints owned a 8-6 lead as the teams switched sides. But, the Mastodons charged into a 10-6 run that lead them through a halted match-point and then a victory.

To start the match, Maryville quickly took a firm grasp of set one. The Saints' 5-0 run, led by Luke Kraft's three aces, propelled them to a 11-3 lead. Maryville continued to apply pressure late into the set, after a 4-0 run put them up 10 (22-12). The 'Dons managed to answer with their own scoring blitz, putting up an 8-2 surge off of two Andrej Polomac service aces. The Saints closed the door on the Mastodons' momentum, taking the first set at 25-20.

Purdue Fort Wayne's momentum bled into the second set, taking a 15-9 lead going into the media break. The 'Dons pulled out a 7-1 run, taking a 19-10 lead. The Mastodon's .667 hitting percentage in the set guided them to a 25-19 conclusion.

The 'Dons didn't stop there, opening the third with a controlling 9-1 run. The Saints showed some life, stringing together a 5-1 counter. Purdue Fort Wayne closed out the set on a 15-10 tear to take the third, and a 2-1 set lead.

The Saints were not ready to pack up just yet, taking an early lead in the fourth set and leading 15-11 at the media break. The Mastodons managed to fight back, tying the game at 20-20 after a 6-2 run. Purdue Fort Wayne took a 23-22 lead, but Maryville unleashed a 3-0 run that won them the fourth.

JP Candrian posted his second double-double of the season with 15 kills and 10 digs. Andrej Polomac finished with a season-high 54 assists on the night. Logan Muir hit a match-high 21 kills, along with nine digs. Axel Melendez Watts added 18 kills and four aces, despite only playing in four sets.

Purdue Fort Wayne climb to to 8-9. Maryville falls to 9-8. The 'Dons will return to MIVA competition on Friday (March 14) against No. 8 Loyola Chicago. Purdue Fort Wayne will be honoring Mastodon legend Hector Soto by retiring his jersey prior to the match.

~ Feel the Rumble ~