1/23/2026 Fulton, MO - The (RV) Westminster men's volleyball team delivered an impressive performance at home, earning two victories in a tri-match against Spalding and Southwest Baptist to improve to 8–1 on the season.
In the opening match, Westminster defeated Spalding in straight sets, 25–12, 25–16, 27–25. The Blue Jays controlled the tempo early, cruising through the first two sets behind balanced attacking and strong defensive play. Spalding pushed Westminster in the third set, forcing extra points, but the Blue Jays stayed composed and closed out the sweep. Derrick Turner led the way with 9 kills on 15 attempts, hitting .467, and added a team-high 11.5 points. Charlie Haas and Khalil Peterson were also efficient offensively, each recording 5 kills while hitting .556. Demitrius Allen chipped in 3 kills and added two block assists. Connor Johnson directed the offense with 17 assists, helping Westminster post a .256 team hitting percentage.
In match two, the Blue Jays battled Southwest Baptist in a five-set thriller, winning 25–20, 25–19, 22–25, 23–25, 15–10. After taking the first two sets, Westminster faced a determined response from the Bearcats, who forced a decisive fifth set. The Blue Jays responded with their strongest effort of the match in the final frame, pulling away to secure the victory. Turner delivered a dominant performance with 23 kills on 44 swings, finishing with 23 points to lead all players. Khalil Peterson was outstanding as well, recording 10 kills on 12 attempts for a .750 hitting percentage and 11.5 points. Demitrius Allen added 13 kills and 13.5 points, while Brady Sickles contributed 7 kills. Connor Johnson once again anchored the offense with 51 assists, guiding Westminster to a .349 team hitting percentage. The Blue Jays also showed strength at the net, totaling 15 blocks in the match, with strong contributions from Turner, Allen, and Haas.
With the pair of wins, Westminster showcased its depth, offensive balance, and resilience in tight moments. The Blue Jays will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season with an 8–1 overall record.
