By Tyler Semonich
The Carthage Firebirds men’s volleyball program takes flight to Springfield, Massachusetts, after punching their ticket to the NCAA Division III National Volleyball Final Four by not dropping a set in their first two tournament matches. The birds caught fire in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons to bring home the National Championship, and are aiming to get back on top of the volleyball world in their first Final Four appearance since the 2022 campaign.
Carthage ranks alongside the national leaders in several statistical categories, sitting third in kills per set (13.21), second in hitting percentage (.327) and fourth in assists per set (12.25).
The Firebirds all-around execution has allowed them to dominate plenty of matches throughout the season, posting the best record of any team in the Final Four at 24-3, and owning the No. 3 national ranking heading into the tournament.
A huge component of this team’s success is senior setter Ryan Morey, who was recently named an AVCA All-American, as well as College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Co-Setter of the Year for the second time in his career. Morey is also ranked third nationally in assists per set with 10.14 per game.
Morey attributes his growth and maturity on the court to mentorship from head coach JW Kieckhefer, who he credited for creating a strong and connected volleyball program at Carthage.
“JW does a great job building this program. Him mentoring me has made a huge impact helping me grow in my position over the years,” said Morey. “Carthage always brings in great volleyball players, JW has done a great job building this program. But this season I think we’ve been through so much adversity both on and off the court, that we’ve found a sort of specialness within our team and community.”
Morey also recognized his teammates, who make his demanding role as a setter easier with their execution and dominant play.
“We have so many great athletes on this team,” Morey said. “It’s easy to set guys like Ryan Bartz, Ben Heise and Hudson Sweitzer. They’re really athletic and great at doing their jobs.”
He also credited others on the court who contribute to his success; “Especially our passers like Bartz, Ryan Monahan, Owen Hendricks and both of our liberos, Devon O’Callaghan and Austin Mallory do an amazing job giving me the ball in good places, and allowing me to be great as well.”
As Carthage prepares to take the floor in Springfield, all signs point to a confident and battle-tested group ready for the national stage once again. With a balanced offensive attack, elite passing from Ryan Morey and a roster full of experienced contributors, the Firebirds enter the Final Four with momentum and championship pedigree. Their next test comes Thursday at 7:30 p.m., when they face red-hot Wittenberg University with a trip to the National Championship match on the line.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics