NORTH CENTRAL SPOILS MEN’S VOLLEYBALL HOME-OPENER

BOSTON, Mass. – The North Central College men's volleyball team spoiled the 2017 home-opener for Emmanuel College, cruising to a 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-15) sweep at the Jean Yawkey Center Sunday afternoon. The Cardinals improve to 2-1 on the year while the loss dips the Saints to a 0-3 start.

In the opening set, the Cardinals erased a 24-19 deficit by rattling off seven consecutive points to stun the Saints with a 26-24 win to go ahead 1-0 in the match.

Emmanuel jumped out to another early lead in the second frame, taking a 6-2 advantage but again North Central rallied to even the score at 10-10 before taking the lead for good on the next point. The Cardinals cruised in the final frame to a 25-15 win, hitting a combined .545 as a team from the floor.

NCC freshman outside hitter Nick Lilley (Mokena, Ill.) led the offensive attack with a match-high 15 kills to go along with a .565 hitting percentage. He also added six digs, three aces and two block assists for a solid all-around showing. Freshman setter Michael Trunzo (Valencia, Calif.) dished out 32 helpers in the win, running a balanced offensive attack that saw nine players register kills.

For the Saints, sophomore outside hitter Erik English (Simi Valley, Calif.) led the way with eight kills, four digs and two aces. Sophomore opposite Kevin Orsley (San Jose, Calif.) added six kills, four digs and once ace while freshman setter Seamus McDonagh (Long Beach, N.Y.) recorded 23 assists.

Emmanuel is now idle until Tuesday, January 31 when they travel to Elms College for a 7:00 PM non-conference match. North Central in back in action next weekend on Saturday, January 28 when they head to Adrian, Mich. For a battle against Adrian college at 7:00 PM at the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center.