Raiders take GNAC Finale 3-0

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier Men's Volleyball team defeated the visiting Wentworth Institute of Technology Leopards this afternoon by the score of 3 sets to 0 in the GNAC regular season finale. With the win, the Raiders improved their season record to 18-9 (13-1 GNAC). As for the Leopards, the loss drops their season record to 21-7 (10-4 GNAC).

This was a very competitive matchup for the Raiders in this one. Although it was senior day at Rivier University, that didn't stop the Leopards of Wentworth from bringing their best game. Hoping to spoil the Rivier senior day celebration, the Leopards, coached by Evin Giglio, gave the Raiders everything they had.

The first set was the most exciting in terms on back and forth play. For seemingly the entire set, both the Raiders and Leopards went point for point. Every time someone looked as if they were going to run away with the set, the other would fight back and tie things up. Tied 26-26, the Raiders, with the crowd on their side, dug deep to put together an excellent series of offensive and defensive possessions. Ultimately, the Raiders were able to steal the first set by the score of 28-26.

The second set was also very competitive for both squads. Although this set was not nearly as close in score, it was still a very tough set for the Raiders to win. Despite the many efforts by the Leopards to tie the match at 1 set a piece, the Raiders, who are one of the most experienced teams in the conference, used their wisdom and communication to rally past the Leopards and take the set 25-19.

The third set was a crucial one for the Leopards. If they did not find a way past the stout Rivier attack, they would be in trouble of being sent home early with the 3 set defeat. Fortunately for the Raiders, despite the very close score, their efforts were not enough as they fell in the final set by the score of 25-23.

Rivier had great performances turned in by Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) who was able to lead all players with an outstanding 19 kills. Sam Kazlas (Allentown, Pa.) also played well for the Raiders with 5 kills while brothers Brendan Tutino (Manorville, N.Y.) and Matt Tutino (Manorville, N.Y.) were each able to pitch in an additional 6 kills each. Tyler Blank (Rochester, N.Y.) play a great game as he was able to record 33 assists. Nick Ochoa (Whittier, Calif.) had a game high 9 digs.

Wentworth had good performances turned in by Jon Roat (Macedon, N.Y.) who was able to record 8 kills. Jake Reed (Arvada, Colo.) also recorded 8 kills while teammate Sean Mullen (Longwood, Fla.) had 7 kills. Collin Ritter (Feeding Hills, Mass.) recorded 33 assists.