BANNER

Johnson dropped both matches of Saturday's home doubleheader against Russell Sage, falling 3-0 in the opener and 3-0 again in the second matchup at Carter Gymnasium.

SUMMARY

The Badgers opened the afternoon with a competitive first match, pushing Russell Sage in stretches but ultimately falling 25-15, 25-20, 25-13. Johnson tallied 10 kills and five service aces in the opener, highlighted by four kills from Sam Munson, three from Io Binder, and a strong serving effort from Liam Carrick and Zeek Pontiatowski, each recording an ace. Defensively, Carter Hubley and Jayda Dominguez combined for 10 digs as the Badgers battled through long rallies.

Johnson showed improved rhythm and offensive production in the second match, producing 21 kills and 46 digs while pushing Sage deep into the final two sets. After a 25-15 first‑set loss, the Badgers surged in sets two and three, nearly extending the match in a 25-23 and 26-24 defeat. Luke Walters (7 kills), Io Binder (8 kills, 2 aces), and Carter Hubley (7 digs, 1 block) provided the spark as Johnson pushed the pace. Jayda Dominguez anchored the backcourt with a team‑high 13 digs, while Zeek Pontiatowski delivered 4 assists and an ace.

KEY STATS

Match 1 vs. Russell Sage (L, 0-3)

• Io Binder: 3 kills, 1 ace, 4 digs, 1 block
• Sam Munson: 4 kills, 1 dig
• Luke Walters: 2 kills, 2 digs
• Liam Carrick: 1 kill, 2 aces, 1 block, 2 digs
• Zeek Pontiatowski: 3 assists, 1 ace, 2 digs
• Team: 10 kills, 5 aces, 2 blocks, 25 digs

Match 2 vs. Russell Sage (L, 0-3)

• Io Binder: 8 kills, 2 aces, 8 digs, 1 block
• Luke Walters: 7 kills, 5 digs, 1 block
• Carter Hubley: 1 kill, 7 digs, 1 block
• Jayda Dominguez: 13 digs, 2 assists
• Zeek Pontiatowski: 4 assists, 4 digs, 1 ace
• Team: 21 kills, 4 aces, 3 blocks, 46 digs

Doubleheader Totals

(Combined from 6 sets played)

• Io Binder: 11 kills, 3 aces, 12 digs, 2 blocks
• Luke Walters: 9 kills, 7 digs, 2 blocks
• Carter Hubley: 1 kill, 12 digs, 1 block
• Jayda Dominguez: 18 digs, 2 assists
• Team Totals: 31 kills, 9 aces, 5 blocks, 71 digs

UP NEXT

VTSU Johnson returns to action on Saturday, February 28, hosting a home doubleheader against Nichols at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm at Carter Gymnasium.