Men's Volleyball upsets #11 Baruch in four sets

(Union, New Jersey) The Rivier University Men's Volleyball team took down #11 Baruch University in four sets this evening in the opening night of the 2016 Kean University Invitational. The Raiders came out firing on all cylinders as they took a quick 2-0 lead by scores of 25-20 and 25-19. Baruch, who was playing in their first game of the season and ranked #11 in the latest AVCA Coaches Poll, battled back to steal the third set 30-28 before Rivier earning the important fourth set win 25-23.

Junior Tyler Blank (Rochester, N.Y.) was the main reason behind the victory as the third year setter dished out 50 assists and totaled 16 digs in the contest. Four Raiders benefited from Blank's terrific night as each accumulated double-digit kills. Leading the way were sophomore Grant Andler (Chicago, Ill.) who muscled down 17 kills and classmate Garrett Bucklin (Jamestown, R.I.) added 10 kills and a .368 hitting percentage. Another bright star for the Raiders this evening was the play of freshman Khaynen Yocca (Pittsburgh, Pa.). Yocca collected 12 kills, a .409 hitting percentage and six total blocks along the net. Senior Mike Hadder (Yucaipa, Calif.) also chipped in with 11 kills for the Raiders.

Kean was paced by Brady Ambro and Stephen Roach, who combined for 32 of the team's 50 kills on the night. Scott Standring dished out 46 assists and Taylor Higgs controlled the back line with 17 digs.

Rivier, now 3-1 on the season, will battle #6 Stevens Institute of Technology and Kean University tomorrow in the final day of the invitational.