CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa [BOX SCORE | POOL PLAY SCHEDULE] - The No. 2 Saint Xavier (Ill.) Cougars defeated No. 10 Grand View (Iowa) Vikings with a 3-1 victory at the Alliant Energy Power House and became the first to advance out of pool play. The match saw SXU maintain its impeccable season record, advancing to 30-0, while Grand View fell to 19-8.

The match began with Grand View taking the first set 25-18, thanks to a solid attack percentage of .370. However, Saint Xavier quickly regrouped, controlling the subsequent sets with scores of 25-20, 25-19, and 25-23.

The Cougars' offensive efforts were led by Matt Pennala, who delivered 18 kills. Vejas Cuplinskas followed with 14 kills and an impressive .478 attack percentage. The team's overall attack percentage stood at .244, surpassing Grand View's .208.

Caydann Cox added to Saint Xavier's success from the service line, recording five aces, while Cameron Daniels orchestrated the offense with 51 assists. Defensively, Andres Velez led with 20 digs.

The Vikings' Daniel Galili led his team with 18 kills. Ryan Griffel also made significant contributions with 12 kills. Grand View led the way in blocking defense in the match with 13.5 blocks (1 solo, 25 assisted) compared to the 9.5 total blocks (1 solo, 17 assisted) of Saint Xavier. 

With this win, Saint Xavier continues in the Battle for the Red Banner as the first team to advance to the semifinals. Grand View, however, has been eliminated from tournament play. 

This is the second consecutive year that SXU has advanced out of pool play.