CHICAGO, Ill. - The Rockford University men's volleyball team (2-10, 0-1 NACC) was shutout in straight sets against Illinois Tech (5-2, 1-0 NACC) in the Regents first conference match of the season. Illinois Tech pulled out in front at the start of each set and the Regents were never able to hold much of a lead, allowing the Scarlet Hawks to control the momentum in their favor.
Jose Padron was the Rockford bright spot in the match, recording 8 kills, 2 aces, and 6 digs.
- Illinois Tech jumped into the lead scoring five of the first six points to put the score at 5-1.
- The Scarlet Hawks continued their run shortly after, extending the lead in their favor 12-4.
- Both sides traded points for a moment until Illinois Tech scored four in a row to bring the first set to a score of 22-12.
- Each team scored three points each to conclude the set, Illinois Tech taking the final point and the first set with a final score of 25-15.
- Rockford started off the second set in front 4-3 but was quickly passed when a 6-0 Scarlet Hawks run gave Illinois Tech a 9-4 lead.
- Neither side gave in as they started to trade points. Jose Padron had a solid ace at the 10-14 mark, but Rockford couldn't get a run of its own going to try and take the lead back.
- The Regents finally capitalized toward the end of the set, scoring three-straight points to bring the score to 20-21 in favor of Illinois Tech.
- The Scarlet Hawks took care of the set immediately after, earning 4 of the last 5 points and winning the second set 25-21.
- Illinois Tech started the final set on another strong run, taking the lead 7-2.
- Rockford pulled within two points, but Illinois Tech built the lead up again on a 3-0 run and never gave the Regents another chance.
- Each side went on runs of their own for the remainder of the third set, but the Scarlet Hawks were never in any danger of losing the lead, taking the final set and the match 25-20.
- Jose Padron led in kills with 8. He also had 2 aces and 6 digs.
- Josh Albers recorded a team-high 18 assists. He also led in blocks with 3.
- Da'Quan Bates led the team in digs with 8.
