Men's Volleyball takes one in the 2015 Live Free or Die Invitational

Invitational Results - Day One @ Rivier:

Game One - #6 Kean University 3, #9 Rivier University 2 (Final)

Game Two – Lasell College 3, Newbury College 0 (Final)

Game Three – #9 Rivier University 3, Newbury College 0 (Final)

Game One: #6 Kean University 3, #9 Rivier University 2 (Final)

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier Men's Volleyball team fell in the opening game of the Live Free or Die Invitational to the Kean University Cougars 3-2 this afternoon in the Muldoon Gymnasium. With the loss, the Raiders drop to 0-1 on the year. With the win, the Cougars improve to 5-0 on the season.

This was a very even matchup for the Raiders. After dropping the first set 25-22, the Raiders began to warm up and get a feel for their opponents. Using solid communication and team work, the Raiders were able to bounce back from the one set deficit and put together a two set run, winning 25-20 and 25-15. With seemingly all the momentum heading into the 4th set, the Raiders looked as if they were going to steal the show and upset the Cougars, giving them their first defeat of the season.

Very resilient and determined to push back the Raider attack, the Cougars were able to steal a nail-biter in the 4th by a score of 25-22. Although Rivier dropped the 4th set, the Raiders remained strong and kept their heads high. This matchup came down to the very last set. With a gym full of anxious supporters, the Raiders and Cougars battled it out up until the last whistle. When all was said and done, the Raiders, despite their heated attempts to get the win, were held back and ultimately lost the match 15-11 in the 5th.

Rivier had good performances turned by many players. Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) led the Raiders with an impressive 16 kills, while also recording a team high 9 digs. Tyler Blank (Rochester, N.Y.) was a key contributor for the Raiders as well tying Ron Dunn (Collingswood, N.J.) for the game high in assists with 42. Another offensive threat for the Raiders in this game was senior Sam Kazlas (Allentown, Pa.) Using his height and strength, Kazlas was able to power home 11 key kills in the match.

The Cougars also had good performances turned in by their players. Senior Ed Jedziniak (Hillsborough, N.J.) was a key offensive contributor for the Cougars, as he was able to record 10 kills. Bez Arslani (Wayne, N.J.) led all Cougars with 15 kills.

Game Two: Lasell College 3, Newbury College 0 (Final)

The Lasell College Men's Volleyball team defeated the Newbury College Nighthawks in the second game of the Live Free or Die Invitational by the score of 3-0. With the loss, Newbury College drops to 0-1 on the season, while the Lasell College Lasers improve to 5-0 on the season.

This matchup was heavily dominated by the Lasers of Lasell College. The Nighthawks were never able to find themselves a rhythm in this one, as they were defeated in just 3 sets. Despite being shut out by the Lasers, Newbury never gave up in this one, as they fought up until the very end. Lasell was able to use their powerful strikes to surge past the Nighthawks 25-15 in the first set. Coming off a very hot start in the first, Lasell looked to do more of the same in the second set.

Using impressive teamwork, communication, and speed, the Lasers were able to put the pressure on the Nighthawks in the second set. The Lasers play was nearly perfect, only allowing Newbury to tally 14 points in the set. Lasell cruised 25-14 to take the second set. Now, facing a 2-0 deficit, and on the brink of being swept, the Nighthawks of Newbury College had to do something to keep their hopes alive. Unfortunately for Newbury, Lasell was just too much to handle, dominating them for the 3rd time, winning the set in dominating fashion, 25-16, and sweeping the match 3-0.

Newbury had a pair of standout performers in this game. Freshman Joshua Thorne (Oxford, Conn.) recorded 5 kills and 3 digs, while Wade Robidoux (Agawam, Mass.) was able to lead the Nighthawks with 6 kills. Danny Tiner (Salem, N.H.) recorded 5 digs for his team, while Michael Holihan (Northampton, Pa.) was able to record 20 assists.

Lasell College also had some key performances turned in on the afternoon. Jeffery Vautrin (Chicopee, Mass.) recorded a game high 10 kills. Dan Raffol (Natick, Mass.) and Patrick McDonald (Floral Park, N.Y.) each had 5 kills for the Lasers. Alex Moule (Rockaway Beach, N.Y.) recorded 5 digs, while Andrew Glenn (Westport, Conn.) tallied a game high 26 assists.

Game Three: #9 Rivier University 3, Newbury College 0 (Final)

The Rivier Men's Volleyball defeated the Newbury College Nighthawks in the 3rd game of the Live Free or Die invitational by the score of 3-0 at the Muldoon Gymnasium this afternoon. With the win, the Raiders even their record to 1-1 on the season, while Newbury College drops to 0-2.

Newbury's play continued to struggle in this matchup. After being defeated by Lasell College 3-0 in an earlier game this afternoon, Newbury continued to play without rhythm. The lack of experience and communication proved to be the downfall of the visiting Nighthawks. Though they were dominated in all facets of the game, Newbury remained tough and stuck in there till the conclusion. Rivier rested its usual starters and allowed for some new faces to get some action.

Rivier used some impressive team work to take the 1st set by the score of 25-16. With the majority of the crowd on their side, the Raiders were able to power their way past the Nighthawks with ease. Rivier played as an impenetrable unit, allowing virtually no space for Newbury to land any good strikes. Snuffing out many of Newbury's attempts, the Raiders quickly took the first and second sets in dominating fashions.

The 3rd set had a much different tempo to it. Newbury looked as if they had finally settled down in the 3rd, as they began to communicate and work together effectively. The Nighthawks were able to go stride for stride with the Raiders in this set. The Raiders were still able to win the set, but the Nighthawks gave them a little bit more of a test. Despite their efforts, the Nighthawks ultimately lost the match 3-0.

Rivier had good performances turned in by Mike Hadder (Yucaipa, Calif.) who recorded a game high 11 kills, while Garrett Bucklin (Jamestown, R.I.) and Cam Phegley-Walker (Los Angeles, Calif.) each recorded 8 kills for the Raiders. Matt LaSance (Madison, Conn.) led the Raiders with 38 assists.

Newbury had good performances turned in by Chi Yin Li (Hong Kong, China) who was able to record a team high 6 kills, while Michael Holihan (Northampton, Pa.) was able to record a team high 13 assists.

Both teams will return to action tomorrow in the second day of the 2015 Live Free or Die Invitational. Rivier will host Endicott College in a 1pm match while the Nighthawks will battle Johnson and Wales University across town at Daniel Webster College (11am).