The performance of Ryan McDonough '19 in the early portion of the 2018 men's volleyball season has been a major key to Elmira's success. With a 10-4 overall record, the Purple and Gold are already just one win away from tying their total from the entire 2017 campaign. The Soaring Eagles won all three matches last week with McDonough's help, including a momentous five-set win over long-time rival Nazareth last Wednesday.
Led by McDonough's team-high 15 kills and four services, Elmira earned just its third win over the Golden Flyers and the team's first-ever victory over Naz on its home court in Rochester, New York. The junior outside hitter also registered seven digs in the match and was at the service line for three consecutive points to help EC clinch the fifth set. The Lindenhurst, New York, native concluded his week with a pair of 3-0 wins over Bard and Misericordia. He combined for seven kills, six digs, four blocks, and two aces in the Sunday sweep while hitting at a season-high rate of .571 (4k-0-7ta) in the nightcap versus the Cougars.
Through the first 14 matches of the year, McDonough leads EC with 138 kills and a 2.65 kills-per-set average. He also ranks second on the team in digs (95) and fourth in total blocks (23). Among United Volleyball Conference (UVC) leaders, he is sixth in aces per set (0.44).
The EC men's volleyball team will continue UVC play with a tri-match, hosted by Bard on Saturday, February 17, and Sunday, February 18. The weekend begins against the SUNY New Paltz Hawks on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and concludes against Sage at 11:00 a.m. the following day.
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