IRVINE, Calif. – The CUI men's volleyball team took the court for their last home match of the 2026 season against Vanguard. The Golden Eagles came out strong setting the tone early with commanding wins in the first two sets with scores 25–12 and 25–21. The Golden Eagles kept the pressure on in a tightly contested third set narrowly falling 29–27 in extra points. Vanguard ultimately took the match winning the following two with scores 25-20 and 15-7.
 

The night carried extra significance as three Golden Eagles Logan Whitaker, Connor Orrock, and Aidan Case were honored in a special pregame ceremony celebrating their impact on the program and setting the stage for a memorable sendoff.

 
Junior Christian Galoppo led the attack with a team-high 15 kills. The outside hitter added a service ace, six digs, and four block assists to round out an all-around effort. Ties Cornelissen posted 12 kills on just 23 swings for an impressive .391 hitting percentage with scooping up five from the back row. Logan Whitaker added six kills and two aces.

 
Middle Nathan Habermas was nearly unstoppable recording six kills on eight attempts for a remarkable .625 hitting percentage. He also made his presence felt at the net with two solo blocks and two block assists. Cole Wachter also turned in a highly efficient outing putting down four kills on five attempts with a.800 hitting percentage while contributing five block assists. Paul Schulteis came onto the court in the middle position and chipped in three kills and a service ace.

 
Connor Orrock orchestrated the offense with 29 assists and added two service aces along with four digs. Aidan Case contributed six assists and added two digs while also recording a block assist.

 
Defensively Joseph Nunez stood out with a team-high 13 digs anchoring the back row and helping control the Lions attack.


 
The Golden Eagles will wait to see who they take on in the MPSF Tournament on Wednesday Apr. 22 with the time TBA. The tournament will be at BYU in Provo, Utah starting Apr. 22-Apr. 25.

 
To see the full CUI men's volleyball schedule click HERE.