Men's Volleyball Sweeps Emmanuel and Emerson

NASHUA, N.H. — The Rivier men's volleyball team began Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play by defeating Emmanuel (Mass.), 3-2, and closing out the day with a victory over Emerson, 3-1, on Saturday in the Muldoon Center.  

The Raiders now sit at 6-4 overall and 2-0 in GNAC play. The Saints dropped to 4-5 overall and 1-2 in GNAC matchups. Emerson also fell to 1-5 overall and 0-2 in the GNAC.  

Rivier will continue its homestand with a mid-week conference matchup against Dean on Thursday, Feb. 15 with first serve set for 7:00 p.m.

Rivier 3, Emmanuel (Mass.) 2 

The Raiders started the afternoon strong winning the first two sets, 25-17 and 25-13.  Emmanuel would rally back in sets three and four by set scores of 25-22 and 25-16, forcing the Raiders to a fifth and final set. Rivier dug deep and came out on top in the fifth set with a score of 15-8.  

As a team, Rivier's hitting percentage was .229 over the five sets.  

Neil Rea facilitated the offense via a match-high 45 assists of the team's 50 total assists. Chris Lezon capitalized on Rea's performance hitting at a .818 clip, producing 9 kills on 11 errorless swings. Sokunbuth Ly contributed 15 kills for the Raiders.  

Emmanuel's Michael Shelly stood out on the court with 16 kills and three digs, as well as Quincy Moore with 36 assists.  

Rivier 3, Emerson 1 

In the final match of the afternoon, four players shined on the offensive side hitting at a .600 percentage. Sebastian Menchaca four kills, .667, Izaviah Hong four kills, .667, Chris Lezon seven kills, .600, and Matthew McCloskey seven kills, .600. Rivier hit at a .391 percentage.  

Isaac Borges totaled 10 kills and three digs to help the Raiders push past the Lions. 

Rea was successful in dishing out 31 of the team's 46 assists in the match.  

The Raiders recorded 37 digs, nine aces, and ten blocks in the victory.