#12 Men's Volleyball tame Lions in straight sets

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier Men's volleyball team defeated the visiting Emerson College Lions 3-0 this afternoon at the Muldoon Gymnasium. With the win, the Raiders improve their record to 6-6 (3-0 GNAC). With the loss, the Lions drop to 7-6 (1-3 GNAC).

The first set was very competitive for both sides. Seemingly trading point for point, the Raiders, with their experience and team chemistry, were able to edge the Lions by the score of 25-21. Both teams looked a little flat to begin the match. Neither really communicating or making much noise. The offense of Sam Kazlas (Allenstown, Pa.) and Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) were what spurred the Raiders to the first set victory.

The second set was a bit more dominant for the home team as they began with a 7-1 run, forcing the Lions to call time. After the timeout however, the Raiders continued to pile on the offense, scoring another 9 points to push their lead to 16-8. As a collective unit, the Raiders were able to pick apart the Lion defense. As a result, the Lions became very uncomfortable and ultimately, were never able to get rolling. Eventually, the Raiders would tame the Lions, winning the second set by the score of

The third set was more of the same for both the Raiders and Lions. Both teams traded points for most of the set until the Raiders edged the Lions at the very end. Winning the set 25-23, and sweeping the Lions 3-0, the Raiders controlled the match the entire time. Never once did the Raiders look uncomfortable, nor did they look as though they would lose their lead.

Rivier had good performances turned in by Sam Kazlas (Allenstown, Pa.) who led the Raiders with 9 kills. Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) added another 8 kills while Matt Heckler (Simi Valley, Calif.), Grant Andler (Chicago, Ill.), and Ian Wolski (Westfield, Mass.) each added 6 kills for Rivier. Tyler Blank (Rochester, N.Y.) was the man in the middle for the Raiders as he recorded an impressive 40 assists.

Emerson had good performances turned in by Stig Regan (Kailua, HI) who led the Lions with 8 Kills. Ben Hillman (South Pasedena, Calif.) who recorded an additional 7 kills while teammate Jackson Wiley (Los Angeles, Calif.) added another 6 kills. Brendan McGonigle (Los Angeles, Calif.) posted 24 assists.

The Raiders will next play later this afternoon in a non-conference matchup against the Eagles of Daniel Webster College. The game is scheduled for 3:00pm. As for the Lions, they will next play Daniel Webster at 1:00pm.