1/28/2026
The second ranked Carthage College men’s volleyball team continued their pursuit of excellence on Wednesday night at Tarble Arena. Facing a top ten opponent in #3 Aurora University, the Firebirds demonstrated why they are considered one of the premier programs in the country. The match concluded with a 3-1 victory for Carthage, moving their season record to a perfect 5-0.
This contest was a display of tactical composure and offensive depth. While Aurora provided a significant challenge, particularly in the third set, the Firebirds utilized their home court advantage and technical precision to dictate the flow of the game.
Match Summary and Progression
Carthage established a high standard of play immediately in the opening frame, finishing the first set with a .261 hitting percentage. Hudson Sweitzer provided an early spark that allowed the Firebirds to claim an 11-6 lead. The momentum stayed firmly with the home side as Owen Hendricks contributed a timely kill to extend the margin to 17-11. Ben Heise eventually closed the set at 25-18 with a powerful finish.
The second set followed a similar trajectory of Carthage dominance. Ryan Bartz ignited a scoring run with three consecutive kills, helping the Firebirds build a comfortable 15-7 cushion. Ruben Emmerich further solidified this lead with a kill that brought the score to 21-13. Carthage duplicated their first set score of 25-18, entering the third set with a commanding two set advantage.
Aurora showed remarkable resilience in the third set, fueled by a balanced attack where four different hitters each tallied 11 kills during the match. This group included Josh McLellan, Connor Carroll, SJ Nelson, and Ammar Brzovic. Aurora captured the third set 25-21, hitting a set high .400. However, Carthage responded emphatically in the fourth set. The Firebirds recorded a stellar .682 hitting percentage in the final frame to seal the victory 25-21.
Key Performance Indicators
The statistical output highlights a balanced and efficient offensive strategy from both sides. Carthage recorded 52 kills and maintained a .275 hitting percentage throughout the four sets.
| Player | Kills | Digs | Notable Stats |
| Ryan Bartz (CARTH) | 16 | 11 | 2 Aces, .286 PCT |
| Owen Hendricks (CARTH) | 12 | 3 | 1 Block assist |
| Ben Heise (CARTH) | 11 | 6 | 1 Solo block, 1 Ace |
| SJ Nelson (AUR) | 11 | 11 | Double-double effort |
| Josh McLellan (AUR) | 11 | 8 | 28 total attempts |
Ryan Morey was the primary architect of the Carthage offense, tallying a match high 46 assists. His ability to distribute the ball effectively allowed three different Firebird hitters to reach double digit kills. Defensively, Austin Mallory led the back row with 13 digs, while Aurora’s SJ Nelson matched his 11 kills with 11 digs to lead the Spartans’ defensive effort.
Looking Ahead
This victory serves as a significant milestone for Carthage as they navigate a challenging early season schedule. Defeating a ranked opponent like Aurora reinforces the Firebirds’ standing in the national rankings as they approach conference play.
The Firebirds will now take their undefeated record on the road. Their next challenge takes place on Saturday, January 31, at 7 p.m. when they face Benedictine University. Fans can follow the action through live stats and video broadcasts as Carthage looks to extend their winning streak to six matches.