Elmira, NY – The EC Men's Volleyball team took the court for the second time in their history, looking for their first win on home court against the Tomcats of Thiel College. The Tomcats entered tonight's contest with a 1-5 record, searching for their second win of the season while EC entered looking to bounce back from a home loss to Nazareth College.
Thiel would claim the first set by the score of 25-18. Elmira would respond well by taking the next two sets, each by three points, 25-22. Elmira would open the fourth set with a slim lead but the Tomcats would not go quietly as they would make a run midway through the set to claim it by the score of 25-21.
With the match tied at 2-2 a fifth and final set would be needed to decide the outcome of the match. The Soaring Eagles would jump out to a quick 12-2 lead in the set and would never look back as they cruised for a 15-5 victory. Tonight's win marks the first home victory in the program's history.
First year players Eric Sandmann '14 (Glenville, NY -- Burnt Hills), Ryan Gelenitis '14 (Brick, NJ -- Christian Brothers Academy), and Michael Vellutato '14 (Topanga, CA -- Redondo Union) has a great impact in today's contest. Sandmann recorded a team high 15 kills to go along with 10 digs. Gelenitis chipped in another 13 kills and 2 service aces while Vellutato created 36 assists and 6 digs.
Elmira will look to continue their success on home court this weekend as they host the Elmira College Tri-Match which features the Soaring Eagles of Elmira, the Golden Flyers of Nazareth College, and the Crimson Eagles of Philadelphia Biblical University. EC kicks play off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 29th at Speidel Gymnasium in Elmira, NY.
Elmira 3 Thiel 2
18-25, 25-22, 25-22, 21-25, 15-5
Box Score
