Men's Volleyball: Raiders fall to No. 1 Springfield College, 3-1.

Story written and posted by Hayden Barbosa, Rivier University Assistant Sports Information Director 

(Nashua, N.H.)  You might recall Rivier University and Springfield College's history being a bit of a back and forth between the Rivier University Raiders and the Pride of Springfield College.  The Raiders first encounter in '19 with the Pride was in Nashua, N.H. where the hosts put up a fight, however lost 3-1. Then they met just a few days later in Springfield.  The Raiders retaliated and swept the No. 1 team in the country (at the time), 3-0.  After the Raiders captured their Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship title the two programs clashed again in the first round of the NCAA tournament.  The Pride ran away with the win.  Last night was the Raiders chance to equalize, however the Pride earned the victory, 3-1. 

The battle lasted almost 2 hours in front of a packed crowd with each set was more exciting than the last.   The scores were 22-25, 15-25, 25-23 & 23-25. 

Veteran hitter David Smith (Clinton, Ohio) paced the Raiders attack with 13 kills and belted two aces.  Sophomore Kristjan Cortez (Fremont, Cali.) nailed down 10 kills hitting a commendable .391.  Senior hitter Francis Kokoros chipped in with 6 kills and an ace.  Senior setter racked up 33 assists and chipped in 2 kills and 2 aces.

On defense Senior Libero Cam Roth (Coventry, R.I.) was called upon for all four sets where he scooped up 25 digs.  Sophomore Sokunbuth Ly (Lowell, Mass) tallied 9 digs. 

The win lifts the Pride to a 12-1 overall record.  The loss drops the Raiders to an 8-3 overall record with a perfect record in conference play at 4-0.

Tomorrow the Raiders will take a trip down to Chicopee, Massachusetts to face off against the Badgers of Northern Vermont-Johnson (4-5) at 5PM then the hosts, Elms College Blazcers at 7PM.