1/16/2026
#15 Cal Lutheran has wasted no time establishing itself as one of the most disciplined and dangerous teams in Division III men’s volleyball. The Kingsmen enter Saturday unbeaten at 5-0 and have yet to drop a single set, a level of early season dominance that has placed them firmly on the national radar as they prepare for a major test against No. 10 UC Santa Cruz and No. 2 NYU.
The Kingsmen opened the season with a sweep of Hope International before heading to Hawai‘i, where they delivered three straight-set victories over Westminster (Mo.), Marymount, and Emmanuel at the Cal Luau Invitational. Cal Lutheran continued its perfect run back on the mainland with a commanding sweep of Concordia (Wis.) at the UC Santa Cruz Invitational. Five matches, five wins, and a spotless 15-0 set record have defined a team that has looked composed, aggressive, and efficient in every phase of play.
Offensively, Cal Lutheran has been relentless. The Kingsmen are averaging 15.70 points per set while hitting .333 as a team, compared to opponents hitting just .051. Brendan Hom has set the tone with a team best 60.5 points, including 53 kills while hitting .517. Tyler Linville and Matthew Wilcox have been consistent scoring threats, combining for 49 points while both hitting above .300. Aidan Godfrey has provided a strong two way presence with 23.5 points and double digit kills while contributing at the net.
The attack has been well balanced, aided by strong distribution and steady ball control. The Kingsmen have totaled 164 assists through five matches and have consistently kept opposing defenses off balance with multiple hitters producing at a high level.
Defensively, Cal Lutheran has been just as sharp. The team is averaging nearly 10 digs per set while holding opponents to minimal offensive rhythm. Connor Crawford leads the floor defense with 33 digs, while Braden Gonzales and Brendan Hom have been active in serve receive, both posting reception percentages above .900. At the net, the Kingsmen have outblocked opponents by a wide margin, recording 34.5 total blocks compared to 19.5 by their opposition.
Now comes the measuring stick. Saturday presents a pivotal opportunity as Cal Lutheran faces UC Santa Cruz in the morning before matching up with powerhouse NYU later in the day. The Kingsmen have built momentum through execution and depth. This weekend offers a chance to turn early season dominance into a national statement.