1/24/2026
In the world of collegiate volleyball, some matches are won with overwhelming power, while others are won through sheer persistence. On a Saturday morning at the Anderson Sports-Health Center in Dallas, Pennsylvania, the #11 ranked Wentworth Institute of Technology Leopards found themselves in a grueling test of character. Facing a relentless Misericordia University squad, the Leopards navigated a sea of momentum shifts to secure a 3-2 victory (20-25, 28-26, 25-23, 23-25, 15-12).
The match was a masterclass in resilience, lasting over two hours and featuring two teams that refused to let the ball hit the floor without a fight. For Wentworth, the win moved them to 3-1 on the season, while Misericordia fell to 2-3 despite an inspired performance in front of their home crowd.
A Slow Start and a Critical Rebound
The opening frame belonged to the Cougars. Misericordia came out with an incredibly efficient offensive attack, hitting a staggering .647 in the first set. Led by the powerful swinging of Chris U’Glay and Jackson Fehnel, the Cougars kept the Leopards off balance and took the set 25-20. It was a wake-up call for the nationally ranked visitors.
The second set proved to be the pivotal moment of the afternoon. Had Misericordia taken a 2-0 lead, the mountain might have been too high for Wentworth to climb. The two teams traded blows in a marathon set that went beyond the standard 25 points. Wentworth finally found their rhythm at the net, hitting .438 as a collective unit. Behind the steady hand of William Biggs and the defensive presence of Matthew Zegowitz, the Leopards scraped out a 28-26 win to even the match.
The Battle of the Nets
As the match moved into the middle stages, the tactical battle intensified. Wentworth took the third set 25-23, fueled by the clinical efficiency of Conner Foxwell. Foxwell was nearly unstoppable throughout the day, finishing with 14 kills on 18 attempts for an eye-popping .722 hitting percentage. His ability to find the gaps in the Misericordia block provided the Leopards with the spark they needed when the score tightened.
However, Misericordia refused to fade. In the fourth set, the Cougars relied on their defensive scrappiness and the playmaking of Andrew George. With 200 fans cheering them on, Misericordia pushed back with a 25-23 victory of their own, forcing a deciding fifth set. The energy in the Anderson Sports-Health Center reached a fever pitch as both teams prepared for the final sprint to 15 points.
Finishing the Fight
The fifth set is often where the mental fortitude of a team is truly revealed. In this final frame, Wentworth’s experience and precision shone through. While the Cougars struggled to find their offensive touch, committing several errors at the worst possible time, the Leopards remained composed.
Alem Dubcak and Matthew Zegowitz provided the veteran leadership required in the closing moments. Dubcak finished the match with 13 kills, while Zegowitz contributed 10 kills of his own with an impressive .769 hitting percentage. Wentworth’s ability to distribute the ball effectively allowed them to maintain a .214 hitting percentage in the final set while Misericordia dipped into negative territory. The Leopards claimed the fifth set 15-12, sealing a hard-fought road victory.
By the Numbers
The box score tells a story of two remarkably evenly matched teams. Wentworth finished with 58 total kills compared to 54 for Misericordia. The Leopards also held a slight edge in total points, 74.0 to 71.5.
- Wentworth Leaders: Conner Foxwell (14 kills, .722 pct), Alem Dubcak (13 kills, 15 points), and William Biggs (5 kills, 8 points).
- Misericordia Leaders: Chris U’Glay (15 kills, 17.5 points), Jackson Fehnel (14 kills), and Noah Reen (9 kills, 13.5 points).
One of the most impressive statistics of the day was the efficiency of the Wentworth middle hitters. The combination of Foxwell and Zegowitz was lethal, forcing the Misericordia defense to commit early and leaving lanes open for the outside hitters.
An Inspiring Road Ahead
This victory was more than just another tally in the win column for Wentworth. It was a demonstration of how a team can handle adversity on the road against a determined opponent. To lose the first set and then battle through two different sets decided by only two points requires a level of focus that defines championship-caliber programs.
For Misericordia, the loss is heartbreaking but full of promise. Pushing the #11 team in the nation to the absolute brink shows that the Cougars are a force to be reckoned with in the Middle Atlantic Conference.
As the Leopards head back to Boston, they do so with the knowledge that they can win the “ugly” games. They showed that when their backs are against the wall, they have the depth and the heart to find a way to win. It was a classic display of collegiate athletics, where every point was earned and nothing was given.