Eureka Claims MWPVC D2 Championship in Inaugural Season

MATTOON, Ill. – In its first season of competition, the Eureka men's volleyball team captured the MWPVC D2 Championship on Sunday, completing a dominant weekend run without dropping a set.

Eureka opened the tournament Saturday in Bracket A with a pair of sweeps, defeating SIU Edwardsville B, 25-11, 25-13, before topping Indiana State, 25-18, 25-12, to advance to the power round.

Placed in Power Round Pool A, the Red Devils continued their strong play with straight-set victories over Missouri S&T B (25-12, 25-19) and Harding (25-19, 25-13) to secure a spot in the championship bracket.

On Sunday, Eureka rolled through the elimination rounds. The Red Devils swept Kansas State B in the quarterfinals, 25-15, 25-13, before advancing past Arkansas B in the semifinals with a convincing 25-8, 25-14 victory.

Eureka faced Indiana State in the championship match in a rematch from Saturday. The Red Devils once again controlled the contest, defeating Indiana State in straight sets, 25-17, 25-15, to claim the MWPVC D2 title.

Senior Jake Potter said the team's focus and confidence were evident throughout the tournament.

"Our team had confidence and energy throughout the whole weekend of the tournament and throughout every match," Potter said. "From our first practice on September 1st our goal was always a conference championship and when the time came we knew we could accomplish our goal. It took all 15 of my teammates and myself to go win and I couldn't be more excited for how this team will grow and how we can make an impact at the school."

Head coach Noah Ray said the championship is a testament to the group's dedication throughout the program's inaugural season.

"I am so proud of what this group has done this season," Ray said. "Winning a conference championship is always a huge accomplishment. For these guys to do it as a first-year program is actually incredible. The commitment they give to this program is something special. I am so grateful that the boys were able to see the result of all their effort throughout this year."

Eureka finished the tournament with six consecutive sweeps to secure the program's first conference championship.

UP NEXT

Eureka returns to action on Saturday, March 21, traveling to Greenville, Illinois, for a pair of matches. The Red Devils will face Greenville at 11 a.m. before taking on Augustana at 1 p.m.