LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Cal Lutheran men's volleyball team has returned to No. 4 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Poll, released Tuesday.
The Kingsmen move up two spots after sitting at No. 6 in the previous rankings, fueled by a dominant straight-set sweep of No. 11 UC Santa Cruz in their final home match of the season. The emphatic victory helped solidify CLU's position among the nation's elite as the postseason approaches.
Now 20-6 overall, the Kingsmen have built one of the most competitive resumes in the country, including an 8-3 mark against AVCA-ranked opponents. Their recent stretch has featured high-level performances across all facets, highlighted by a historic road set win at NCAA Division I UC Santa Barbara and continued success against top Division III competition.
Cal Lutheran's attack remains a defining strength. The Kingsmen are hitting .278 as a team while limiting opponents to a .193 clip, showcasing both offensive efficiency and defensive discipline.
Leading the charge is the duo of
Brendan Hom and
Tyler Linville. Hom averages 3.32 kills per set while hitting .314, consistently providing a reliable scoring option on the outside. Linville complements him with 3.05 kills per set and a .288 hitting percentage, forming one of the top pin combinations in the nation.
Sophomore setter
Gavin Galanski has been instrumental in orchestrating the offense, averaging 8.74 assists per set and guiding the Kingsmen to their efficient team hitting numbers.
At the net,
Matthew Wilcox and
Mason Rowell have both been dominant forces. The pair has anchored a blocking unit that continues to disrupt opposing offenses at a high level, playing a key role in Cal Lu's recent surge.
Defensively, Libero
Braden Gonzales leads with 2.87 digs per set, providing stability in the back row and extending rallies with consistent play.
With momentum building at the right time, the Kingsmen now turn their attention to an exciting road rematch at UC Santa Cruz on Saturday, April 11, in a pivotal "win-and-in" scenario for NCAA Tournament.
April 7 – AVCA Division III Men's Volleyball Poll
