MEN'S VOLLEYBALL FALLS TO RIVIER, 3-1

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Men's Volleyball team returned from their spring break with an important Great Northeast Athletic Conference victory this evening over visiting Emmanuel College in four sets at the Muldoon Gymnasium. The Raiders, playing in their first contest in 10 days, improve to 13-9 overall and even their conference record at 3-3. Emmanuel, meanwhile, falls to 11-9 overall, 1-5 in the GNAC.

Rivier took the four set game by scores of 25-23, 23-25, 25-17 and 25-21.

The offensive attack was paced by junior Ian Wolski (Westfield, Mass.) who laced 14 kills while recording a .480 hitting percentage. The outside hitter also collected three total blocks on the evening with sophomore Matt Heckler (Simi Valley, Calif.) notching four total blocks and nine kills (.615 hitting percentage). Sophomore Grant Andler (Chicago, Ill.) had a solid night as he added 11 kills and freshman Khaynen Yocca (Pittsburgh, Pa.) chipped in with 10 kills. JuniorTyler Blank (Rochester, N.Y.) dished out 48 assists and both Andler and senior Nick Ochoa(Whittier, Calif.) registered the team high of 10 digs on the defensive side of the ball.

For the Saints, they were led by senior outside hitter Barrett Wingard (York, Pa.) who totaled 17 kills and a .367 hitting percentage. Rookie outside hitter Erik English (Simi Valley, Calif.) was just a tick behind Wingard with 16 kills and senior middle Garrett McGarry (Chicago, Ill.) recorded a .385 hitting percentage on eight kills. Both Andres Saladrigas (Miami, Fla.) and Jorge Rojas (San Juan, Puerto Rico) passed out 20+ assists and Wingard led the defensive effort with 11 digs.

Next for Rivier will be a Saint Patrick's Day matchup against Emerson College down in Boston on Thursday night. Game time is set for 7pm. Emmanuel will also be back in action on Thursday as they host Wentworth at 7pm.

*Release courtesy of Rivier University Sports Information