Men's Volleyball clinch spot in GNAC Championship with 3-0 win over Emmanuel

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier Men's Volleyball team defeated the #4 seed Emmanuel College in the semi-final round of the GNAC tournament this evening by the score of 3-0. With the win, the Raiders improve their season record to 19-8 (14-1 GNAC). The Raiders have also clinched a spot in the GNAC Championship game in which they will take on the Lasell College Lasers who defeated Wentworth 3-0 in the other GNAC semi-final matchup. Unfortunately for Emmanuel College, their season ends with an 11-12 (8-7 GNAC) record.

Over the seven year history of GNAC Men's Volleyball, the Saints, who always find themselves in contention for the title, have battled with the Raiders in the conference final six times. Despite the Saints many efforts to capture their first GNAC championship, the Raiders have always been there to shut them down. As history has shown, the Raiders, when it comes to the GNAC tournament, have never lost to the Saints, nor have they ever lost in the championship. With an impressive 3-0 sweep, the Raiders history of dominance over Emmanuel College continued at the Muldoon Gymnasium tonight.

The Raiders were dominant in virtually every aspect of this match. Offensively, the Raiders were quick, well-positioned, and attacked with power and technique. Defensively, Rivier was calm, disciplined, and focused. Regardless of the many comeback attempts by the pesky Saints, the Raiders remained collected and un-phased. This was evident in the first set of play.

Rivier opened up this match with an impressive 25-16 set victory. Using their excellent team work and communication, the Raiders, who were led by senior Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) simply dismantled the Saint defense. Using the crowd support to their advantage, Rivier took the game directly to the Saints and refused to back down. Ultimately, the efforts were rewarded with a nine point set victory.

The second set was a bit more competitive for the Raiders. Unlike the first set, the Saints, who were primarily led by Ashanti Jackson (Sacramento, Calif.) refused to be handled so easily. In fact, the Saints, with some impressive offensive strikes of their own, were able to test the Raider will and make the set go down to the very last point. Despite the sudden Saint offensive revival, the Raiders, with ice in their veins, were able to shut down Emmanuel when it counted the most, taking the set 25-22.

The third set was the most crucial for both sides in this one. For Rivier, the set victory would book their place in the GNAC Championship. As for Emmanuel, a set victory would extend the match, and would ultimately keep the Saint championship dream alive. With the two set lead, and seemingly all of the momentum, the Raiders, with confidence in their step, were just a set away from reaching the top. Back and forth the Raiders and Saints fought. The set tested each team's heart and will to win. Tied at 26, the two teams battled it out until the very last whistle.

Rivier was able to take the lead when Matt Tutino (Manorville, N.Y.) was able to bury a powerful kill off of an excellent feed from Grant Andler (Chicago, Ill.) Ashanti Jackson (Sacramento, Calif.) slammed home a kill of his own to re-tie the game at 27. Rivier was able to re-take the lead when Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) was able to drive home one of his signature power kills. Up 28-27, Rivier needed just one more point to secure their spot in the Championship. Off of a great feed by Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif,) Sam Kazlas (Allentown, Pa.) lifted the Raiders to victory by planting the final kill between two Saints defenders. With an eruption of celebration from the crowd, the Raiders, coached by Craig Kolek, found themselves advancing to the Finals.

Rivier had excellent performances turned in by Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) who was able to lead the Raider attack with 18 kills. Matt Tutino (Manorville, N.Y.) was second on the team with 11 kills while teammates Cam Phegley-Walker (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Sam Kazlas (Allentown, Pa.) combined for an additional 17 kills. Tyler Blank (Rochester, N.Y.) played a great game for the Raiders as he was able to record 51 assists while Nick Ochoa (Whittier, Calif.) had a team-high 7 digs.

Rivier will next play in the GNAC Championship this Saturday against the Lasell College Lasers.