CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. – The Calvin University men's volleyball team overcame adversity early to win 3-2 at Wabash by the scores of 25-27, 25-18, 25-22, 23-25 and 15-13.
 
In a season filled with firsts for the program, the win marked the Knights' first ever conference victory in the MCVL.
 
Calvin (4-14, 1-1) looked to be in a good position late in the opening set. The Knights trailed early, but a 10-2 run gave them a 24-19 lead late until Wabash (13-7, 1-2) saved six set points to win the set 27-25.
 
The Knights responded well to the setback, however, as they led the second set from start to finish on the way to tying the match at 1-1. Arie Padmos (Martinez, Calif./Contra Costa Christian) led the charge with six kills in the set.
 
Brady Gudauskas (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) and Nick Bultje (Byron Center, Mich./South Christian) took over in the third set, combining for seven kills as the Knights held off a late Wabash rally to win the set 25-22 and take a 2-1 overall lead.
 
The Little Giants stormed out of the gates in the fourth set with a 19-10 lead, but the Knights rallied with a 13-4 run to tie the score 23-23 before Wabash closed with the final two points to force a fifth and deciding set.
 
Calvin started strong in the fifth set, building a 14-9 lead, but the Little Giants once again made a furious late rally. After four straight points cut the Knights' lead to 14-13, Jonathan Pheiffer (Lakewood, Calif./Valley Christian) closed out the match with his eighth kill to secure the 3-2 win.
 
Padmos finished the night with team highs in kills (16) and digs (18). Bultje and Gudauskas each finished with 14 kills, with Bultje hitting an impressive .417 overall.

Ethan Wilstermann (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) led the Knights with eight blocks, while Cameron Dogger (Holland, Mich./Zion Christian) finished with 41 assists and two service aces.
 
COACH'S COMMENT: "The guys showed great resiliency throughout the match," Calvin head men's volleyball coach Spencer Fredrick said. "Nick (Bultje) really stepped up when we needed him in the middle, and Arie (Padmos) showed great leadership and composure."
 
NEXT UP: The Calvin men's volleyball team returns to action in MCVL play tomorrow (Saturday, March 16) when it plays at Fontbonne at 1:00 PM (CST).