EMERSON PULLS OFF FIRST-EVER WIN OVER MEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM

BOSTON, Mass. – The Emerson College Men's Volleyball Team pulled off a shocking sweep over the visiting Emmanuel Saints on Saturday morning in Emerson's Brown and Plofker Gymnasium.  The 3-0 victory came via set scores of 25-21, 25-21 and 25-22 and boosted Emerson's ledger to 10-7 overall and 3-4 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play.  The loss drops the Saints to 5-8 on the season and 3-4 in league action.

Saturday's win over Emmanuel marked the Lions' first victory over the Saints in program history.  Prior to Saturday, the Saints had owned a streak of 15-consecutive wins, dating back to the Emerson program inception in 2009.  Emmanuel had downed Emerson, 3-0, earlier this season (March 3rd).

Leading the charge for the host Lions was Jackson Wiley, who hit at a clip of .359, smashing down 19 kills in his 39 swings, while also recording eight digs on the day.  Emerson senior Connor Burton also tallied double-figure kills with 10, as well as six total blocks.  Nick Rusk chipped in with eight kills and 10 digs, while libero Jared Gross notched a team-best 14 digs.  Brendan McGonigle handed out 30 assists, while sending back four blocks in the win for the Lions.

For the Saints, senior Austin Cockerill (Darien, Conn.) led the offense with 11 kills.  Junior Barrett Wingard (York, Pa.) added 10 kills and seven digs. Senior setter Sean Baxley (Saint James, N.Y.) dished out a match-high 32 assists and led the Saints with his eight digs.

Both teams return to the court for home matches this Tuesday night, March 24th.   The Saints host Wentworth Institute of Technology in a 7:00 PM start, while Emerson hosts Rivier at the same time.