SAINTS COME UP SHORT AT RIVIER
Nashua, N.H. – Rivier University defeated Emmanuel College in three sets (26-24, 25-21, 25-23) on Wednesday night in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men’s Volleyball action played in the Muldoon Gymnasium. With the win, the Raiders improve to 4-4 on the season and 1-0 GNAC action. The loss drops the Saints to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in league play.
February 18, 2015
Nashua, N.H. – Rivier University defeated Emmanuel College in three close sets (26-24, 25-21, 25-23) on Wednesday night in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Volleyball action played in the Muldoon Gymnasium. With the win, the Raiders improve to 4-4 on the season and 1-0 GNAC action. The loss drops the Saints to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in league play.
The first set was a competitive from both sides. In seemingly all facets, the Raiders and Saints played the set evenly throughout. The Raiders' defense gave them the early advantage with blocks on the Saints' first three offensive attempts to give the hosts an early lead. The two squads traded point for point to the end. Tied at 24 and needing a big play for the win, Riv's Chris Markuson (Cupertino, Calif.) slammed down a kill, followed by an offensive error by EC. Rivier was able to pull out the 26-24 first set victory.
The second set saw five ties in the early going before a kill by Ryan Kessler (Santa Clarita, Calif.) gave the visitors an 11-8 advantage. Knotted again at 13-all, the Raiders would go on a 4-0 run to pull out to a 17-13 lead and held their advantage for the remainder of the set. The Saints were able to claw back to within two points at 21-19, following a kill from junior middle hitter Julian Hess(Santa Monica, Calif.), but Rivier held on for the 25-21 set two victory.
Heading into the third set up 2-0, the Raiders held the momentum. Once again, the score remained close throughout, but the Saints could not manage to capitalize on key opportunities. The Raiders jumped out to a quick 8-4 advantage, a lead they would not relinquish for the match, boasting a 25-23 final set and the 3-0 match win.
Up next for Rivier is the Morgan Classic at Springfield College this Friday at 7:30 PM. The Saints will host a pair of non-conference matches this weekend, with Regis College on Saturday at 4:00 PM and NYU on Sunday at 12:00 PM.