TMU Men is Volleyball Team Kicks Off the Season with an Impressive Victory
A Strong Start for TMU Volleyball
The Master’s University (TMU) men’s volleyball team made a spectacular start to the 2025 season with a commanding victory over Concordia University’s Irvine Eagles. The match, held on Friday night, January 31, saw TMU triumph with a 3-1 win, securing set scores of 25-21, 25-21, 23-25, and 25-17. This was the kind of opening performance that both the team and fans had eagerly anticipated.
Impressive Performance in the Match
Ranked No. 1 in the NAIA preseason Top 15 poll, the Mustangs delivered a strong performance with a.311 hitting percentage against the NCAA Division II Eagles. TMU led in key statistics, outscoring their opponents in total kills (56-50), service aces (4-1), and total blocks (8.5-7). The opening set was highly competitive, with both teams frequently tying the score and neither gaining a significant edge. At an 11-11 tie, TMU seized control and extended the lead to four points, maintaining their advantage to close out the set with a 25-21 win.
Second Set: Repeating Success
The second set mirrored the first in intensity, with a key difference emerging at the 15-15 tie. TMU displayed resilience, scoring three consecutive points through Matthew Hamm, Isaac Seltzer, and Braden Van Groningen, creating a lead that the Eagles couldn’t erase. As a result, TMU secured another 25-21 victory.
Third Set: A Comeback by the Opponent
The third set was a tense battle, with the score tied at 14-14. This time, however, Concordia gained an advantage that TMU struggled to overcome. Despite narrowing the gap to 24-23, an error from TMU handed the set to the Eagles at 25-23, setting up an exciting final set.
Final Set: TMU Seals the Win
Concord started the fourth set with a three-point lead, but TMU responded forcefully. The Mustangs unleashed a 15-8 scoring run, taking a four-point lead and ultimately closing out the match with a decisive 25-17 victory. TMU head coach Jared Goldberg expressed pride in the team’s ability to bounce back in the fourth set after the close loss in the third.
Braden Van Groningen, an NAIA All-American from last season’s national runner-up squad, led TMU with a match-high 14 kills. Seltzer, Max McCullough, and freshman Trace Oswald each contributed 11 kills. Setter Matthew Hamm orchestrated the offence with 43 assists, while McCullough led the team with six blocks.
Coach’s Remarks
Coach Goldberg praised his players, highlighting Van Groningen’s leadership: “Braden was a dominant force for us tonight. He stepped up in key moments and provided a steady presence in our attack.” He also commended Max McCullough’s growth in managing the game.
Looking Ahead
Following this impressive victory, TMU will travel to Costa Mesa on Thursday, February 6, for a highly anticipated match against former GSAC rival Vanguard. Now competing in NCAA Division II and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation for men’s volleyball, Vanguard presents a formidable challenge.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM. TMU fans eagerly await the team’s upcoming performances. With such a promising start to the season, hopes are high that the Mustangs will maintain their momentum and achieve further success. The unwavering support from their fans will undoubtedly be a driving force for the players.
A Season Full of Potential
This opening victory not only brought joy to the team but also energized the entire TMU fanbase. The Mustangs have showcased their strength and competitiveness, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. With a talented roster and strong leadership from the coaching staff, TMU is poised to create unforgettable moments throughout the 2025 campaign.
