Still streaking! #15 Raiders push GNAC streak to 28 with win over JWU

(Nashua, NH) In Tuesday night action in the Muldoon Gymnasium the #15 Rivier University Raiders easily defeated the Johnson & Wales University Wildcats in straight sets, 25-19, 25-12, and 25-19. With the victory the Raiders remain perfect in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play with a 10-0 record in the conference.

The win propels the Raiders into the Division III Men's Volleyball 20 win club and a 20-11 overall record. Johnson & Wales falls to an 11-16 overall record and 6-5 in GNAC competition. A complete team performance as well as an errorless second set highlighted the win for the Raiders.

All-American Aaron Almario (Alhambra, CA) led the Raider attack by hammering 11 kills posting an impressive .667 kill percentage. Almario also contributed two service aces and five block assists in the match. Four other Raiders notched multiple kills in the contest including nine by junior Terence Matatall (Danville, NH), eight by sophomore Chris Markuson (Cupertino, CA), five by junior Sam Kazlas (Allentown, PA), and four by sophomore Shane Spellman (Norwich, CT). Spellman also played a key role in the Rivier defensive efforts by leading all players with seven digs and adding three block assists. Senior Steve Visentin (Cheshire, CT) filled the stat sheet dishing out 30 assists, three block assists, two digs, and a kill. Defensive specialist junior Matt Bynon (Burnt Hills, NY) had four digs in the match for the victors.

For the visiting Wildcats, junior Shawn Kennedy (West Barnstable, MA) led the team with ten kills and four digs. Sophomore setter J.J. Bissette (Coventry, RI) added four digs in the loss and a team high 20 assists. Sophomore Matt Jenkins (Damascus, MD) and freshman Kyle Eva (Charlestown, RI) combined for nine of the teams 24 kills.

The Raiders continued their undefeated conference streak of 28 straight games with the victory tonight and will look to keep the streak alive tomorrow when they will travel to Newton, MA to face the Lasell College Lasers. The Wildcats hope to finish the season strong with three conference games remaining on the schedule and they will return to action April 4 when they will face Emerson College in Boston, MA.