Lynx Men’s Volleyball Wins DII Invite

[February 20, 2018] 

The Lincoln College Men’s Volleyball team made a huge statement this weekend by emerging as champions of the inaugural Midwest Division II Invitational Tournament held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Lincoln entered the two-day event ranked #9 in the latest National Club Volleyball Federation (NCVF) poll. In all, 10 teams ranked in the top 25 participated in the 16-team tournament, including #3 Davenport University and the 2017 NCVF DII National Champions from St. Louis University who are currently ranked #1.

On the first day of competition LC went 4-1. The Lynx won their morning pool without dropping a set to move into the Gold division for second round pool play. In that pool, Lincoln defeated Davenport University (26-24, 25-23), lost to St. Louis U (22-25, 19-25), and on Sunday morning bested Lewis University (25-12, 25-12).

During bracket play on Sunday, Lincoln was put to the test time and again, but was able to respond to the pressure and keep advancing. The Lynx were pushed to the limit in the opening round of single-elimination play by the University of Minnesota-Duluth (#14), but was able to escape with a 25-21, 21-25, 16-14 victory.

The win over Duluth set up a semi-final rematch with Davenport University. In that match, DU took the opening set 25-22, but LC responded with a 25-18 win in set two to force a third set. In that deciding set to 15, two LC freshmen came up big during the final moments. With the score tied at 12-12, back-to-back kills by outside hitter Jack Lindner (Oak Lawn) and a stuff-block by right side Ramon Matos (Chicago) sealed the 15-12 win and sent LC to the championship match.

In the final match, Lincoln would again face the top-seeded team from St. Louis University. SLU was challenged in their semi-final match by Lewis University, but managed to escape with a 25-20, 19-25, 15-13 win.

In the opening set of the championship match, Lincoln looked as though they were drained from the intensity of their previous match against Davenport and fell behind early. SLU would eventually take the set 25-16. In set two, the Lynx regrouped and got off to a stronger start. Improved ball control from the LC passers gave middle hitters Michael Wesley (North Chicago) and Deantrius Coleman (North Chicago) the opportunity to swing with confidence. The duo combined for nine kills in the set to help lead their team to an emotional 25-23 set two win and force yet another deciding set to 15.

Front Row left to right:  Miguel Reyes, Michael Konczal, Joudiel Poveymirow, Bryan Orellana, and Charles Carter.  Back row:  Will Moore, Jack Lindner, Ramon Matos, Candace Company, Michael Wesley, Corey Poindexter, Greg Scott, and Deantrius Coleman. 

Set three did not disappoint as both teams came out swinging and playing intensely on defense. The Lynx and Billikens traded side outs and one-point leads all the way up to a 12-12 tie score. SLU then missed their serve and on the next play committed a hitting error to put LC up 14-12 and give the Lynx their first match point opportunity. LC did not let the chance go to waste and won the final point on a free ball kill by Ramon Matos off of a Bryan Orellana (Chicago) set assist.

Lincoln assistant coach Candace Company guided the team through the event and had no doubt the team gave everything they had during the tournament. “Our guys played outstanding volleyball this weekend,” she said. “Our passing and defense were incredible, and, even though they were exhausted at times, they kept finding the will to win,” she added.

L to R: Corey Poindexter, Joudiel Poveymirow, Charles Carter

Three Lincoln College players were named to the All-Tournament team. Junior outside hitter Corey Poindexter (Overton, MO), sophomore right side Charles Carter (Blue Island) and freshman libero Joudiel Poveymirow (Puerto Rico) were recognized with the honor. Poveymirow was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Lincoln College will next play at home this Wednesday for a pair of matches against Goshen College. Match times are set for 4:00 & 6:00 p.m.

[Mark Tippett
Lincoln College
Sports Information]