Men's Volleyball edge Wildcats 3-2

(Providence, R.I.) The Rivier Men's Volleyball team defeated the Johnson & Wales University Wildcats by the score of 3 sets to 2 this evening at Wildcat center. With the win, the Raiders were able to survive the upset scare from the feisty Wildcats. Rivier improves their record to 10-9 (5-1 GNAC). With the loss, the Wildcats drop to 15-7 (3-3 GNAC).

This was a very competitive matchup for the Raiders. Facing an upset minded Wildcat team on the road, made for some rather exciting play from both sides in this one. As expected, the Raiders, with some excellent team work and communication, were able to simply pick apart the home court Wildcats. With excellent defensive effort, and an even more impressive offensive attack, the Raiders, led by Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) and Matt Tutino (Manorville, N.Y.) were able to bury the Wildcats in the first set by the score of 25-16.

With seemingly all of the momentum, the Raiders, who at this point looked as if they were going to record a clean sweep of the Wildcats, pressed on into the second set with lots of confidence. Unfortunately for Rivier, the Wildcats, with some impressive teamwork of their own, were able to fight off the Raider attack to secure themselves a 25-21 set victory.

The third set was a crucial one in this match. With each team winning a set each, the third set had major implications as to which team would take the advantage in the match. Continuing their aggressive style of play in the second set, the Wildcats, who were not afraid to take the game to the Raiders, established a great attack and ultimately were able to take the set by the score of 25-23.

Just when you thought the Raiders were down and out in this one, miraculously, with the help of a few inspirational words from head coach Craig Kolek, Rivier was able to fight back and push the Wildcats to the edge. Facing the possibility of losing the match in 4 sets, the Raiders needed to dig deep to re-establish their presence. And, after a very close set, the Raiders were able to do just that. Rivier was able to edge out the Wildcats at the last second to win the 4^th set 25-23 and to tie the game at 2-2.

The last set was all Rivier in this one. Using their team chemistry and momentum, the Raiders, who were the higher ranked team heading into this one, pushed back the Wildcats to cement the victory 15-10 in the final set of the match. This was a great game by Rivier and they used their experience to steal the win from the Wildcats.

Rivier had good performances turned in by Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) who was able to lead the Raiders with an impressive 14 kills. Matt Tutino (Manorville, N.Y.) led all Raiders with 15 kills, while teammate (and brother) Brendan Tutino (Manorville, N.Y.) was able to add an additional 8 kills. Tyler Blank (Rochester, N.Y.) played extremely well for the Raiders as he was able to record an outstanding 50 assists.