SMCC Men's Volleyball Forces Fifth Set in Season Opener

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's volleyball team lost 3-2 (25-21, 25-23, 17-25, 17-25, 15-7) to Ottawa University (AZ) on Jan. 27 at the SMCC Gym in its 2023 season opening match. The Cougars ralled from down 2-0 to win sets three and four and force a decisive fifth set against the Spirit. 

Freshman Connor McCann led SMCC with 17 kills on 30 swings in the contest. He added a solo block, four block assists and a service ace. 

Sophomore John Engelbert had 12 kills on 29 swings and added a team-high six aces. He also posted five digs and a pair of block assists. 

Freshman Porter Molinar led the Cougars with 40 assists and added an ace, six digs, and two block assists. 

Freshman Michael Howell posted 12 kills on 23 swings with a seven digs and a pair of block assists. Fellow freshman Patrick Mayer hadfour kills, a dig, a solo bock and two block assists. 

Sophomore Andy Sanchez had seven digs and an ace, and sophomore Victor Silva recorded two kills, an ace and five digs.