1/7/2026
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.– In a final tune-up before the regular season officially kicks off, the California Lutheran University Kingsmen showcased their depth and late-set composure, securing a 3-0 exhibition sweep over Hope International University (HIU).
While the Royals kept every frame competitive, the Kingsmen proved too strong in the closing moments of each set, winning by 25-22, 25-21, and 25-20 scores.
Set 1: Kingsmen Defense Sets the Tone
The opening set was a back-and-forth affair early on, with HIU’s Alessandro Spendolini and Benjamin Antonio finding gaps in the Kingsmen defense. However, Cal Lutheran began to pull away mid-set behind the playmaking of Gavin Galanski, who consistently found Brendan Hom and Connor Crawford for timely kills.
Despite a late surge by the Royals fueled by a Hugo Gonzalez-Gutierrez service ace that brought HIU within one at 20-19, Cal Lutheran’s net defense tightened. A critical block by Galanski and Matthew Wilcox helped the Kingsmen reach set point, which Crawford eventually converted to take the frame 25-22.
Set 2: Staying Resilient Under Pressure
The second set saw HIU jump out to an early lead, capitalized by a block from Antonio and Sean Seaman. The Royals maintained a slim edge for much of the middle portion, but service errors proved costly for both sides, with the teams trading mistakes behind the line.
Cal Lutheran’s Tyler Linville sparked a late run with three quick kills assisted by Keaton Hendry. Trailing 19-21, HIU called a timeout to halt the momentum, but the Kingsmen remained undeterred. An ace by Hendry and a final kill by Brendan Hom sealed the set 25-21, putting Cal Lutheran in the driver’s seat.
Set 3: Rowell and Ream Close it Out
The Kingsmen utilized their depth in the third frame, with Garrett Ream taking over the setting duties. HIU’s Travis Donahue and Hugo Gonzalez-Gutierrez fought to keep the Royals alive, even tying the score at 20-20 following a bad set by the Kingsmen.
However, Cal Lutheran finished the match on a 5-0 run. Mason Rowell was the star of the closing moments, recording two kills and a massive block on Sean Seaman to give the Kingsmen a 23-20 lead. Another kill by Evan Ford set up match point, which Rowell promptly hammered home to complete the sweep.
Game Highlights and High Achievers
- Crawford led all attackers with 8 kills on 23 attempts, finishing with a team-high 9.0 points while adding 7 digs.
- Hom was extremely efficient, recording 7 kills on 9 swings for a .778 hitting percentage, and contributed 3 digs.
- Rowell posted a strong all-around line with 5 kills on 7 attempts (.714) and 2 total blocks, totaling 6.5 points.
- Wilcox made his presence felt at the net with 3 block assists, 2 kills, and 1 service ace, finishing with 4.5 points.
- Ream ran the offense effectively, handing out a team-high 10 assists.
- Galanski added 9 assists from the setter position and chipped in 1 service ace.
- Hendry applied pressure from the service line with 2 aces while also contributing 8 assists.
- Linville contributed efficiently in limited action with 3 kills and 3.5 points.
Key Performers
| Player | Team | Notable Contributions |
| Mason Rowell | CLU | Dominated the end of Set 3; 4 kills and a solo block. |
| Connor Crawford | CLU | Consistent offensive threat throughout all three sets. |
| Gavin Galanski | CLU | Distributed the ball effectively in the opening set victory. |
| Alessandro Spendolini | HIU | Led the Royals’ attack and defensive effort at the net. |
| Hugo Gonzalez-Gutierrez | HIU | Provided a spark at the service line and on the wing. |
Looking Ahead
With the exhibition season now in the rearview mirror, both teams will look to tighten up their service games, a combined 15+ service errors were recorded, before the regular season openers. Cal Lutheran’s ability to find different offensive weapons in each set suggests a high ceiling for the Kingsmen this year.