GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The men's volleyball team went undefeated on Saturday, January 17, at the DU Challenge and did not drop a set all day en route to the title.

In pool play, the Panthers faced the University of Michigan "B" team and won 27-25, 25-16. Next up in pool play, the Panthers faced the Golden Grizzlies from Oakland University and swept them 25-23, 25-19. Cam Meier added three kills, and Shaq Amenuvor added two kills in the victory against Oakland.

In a crossover/seeding match against a fellow undefeated Michigan State White team, the men played their most aggressive and energetic match of the tournament, bringing it against the Spartans from the first serve. As a team, the Panthers had an attack percentage of .423.

On to bracket play, the Panthers faced a feisty Michigan State Greenhorns team in the quarterfinals that seemed to get a point-saving touch on each ball. The team's 33 kills helped power the way to a 25-19, 25-16 victory. In the semifinals, Davenport faced yet another MSU team, Posse, winning the first set 29-27. In the second set, the team staged a furious comeback in the semifinals after falling behind 15-5 early in the second set. Peyton Keely's driven leadership and strong defensive play helped lead the turnaround that eventually led to a 25-22 set win. In the finals against Oakland, the Panthers put up twin set wins of 25-21 and 25-21. All available teammates were able to contribute in the final set of the championship match. 
 

Tournament Stat Leaders:

Kills: James May - 49, Gavin Vandergraaf - 46, Jackson Palmitier - 37, Logan Sowers - 16

Aces: James May - 6, Jackson Palmitier and Tristan Whitman - 3, Gavin Vandergraaf and Peyton Keely - 2

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