New York, NY – The Elmira College Men's Volleyball team went 1-1 on the first day of the Baruch College Invitational on Saturday. The Soaring Eagles fell 3-1 to Kean University (21-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-25), while sweeping No. 15 Emmanuel University (25-15, 25-19, 25-22). The split improved EC to 13-9 overall on the season.

 

Against Kean, Elmira struggled to find its groove early giving up the first set 21-25. In the second set EC started to find its offensive attack, fighting to win the set 25-23. The Soaring Eagles fought even harder in the third set, but the Cougars held off Elmira to win the third frame, 25-23. In the fourth set the Cougars proved to be too strong and dominated 25-15 to win the match three sets to one.   

Wyatt Hamilton '15 (Jupiter, FL -- Suncoast) led the Soaring Eagles with 13 kills and 11 digs, while Ladislav Lelkes '15 (Bratislava, SVK -- Esprit) pounded out six kills, one service ace and two blocks. Mike Stianche '15 (Bethlehem, PA -- Bethlehem Catholic) sparked the Elmira attack, dishing out 35 assists.

 

Elmira's second match of the day proved to be completely different as it dominated Emmanuel University in straight sets. EC cruised in the first two sets, winning 25-15 and 25-19, respectively. In the third set the Saints put up a challenge, before the Purple and Gold prevailed 25-22 late.

 

Stianche led Elmira with 14 kills, two service aces, five digs and three blocks. Ryan Gelentis '14 (Brick, NJ -- Christian Brothers Academy) added 10 kills, while hitting .381. Meanwhile, Hamilton pounded out nine kills, hitting a team-high .471 and adding three aces. Michael Vellutato '14 (Topanga, CA -- Redondo Union) sparked the Soaring Eagle attack dishing out 35 assists, while adding four digs.

 

The Elmira College Men's Volleyball team returns to action tomorrow when they play Rivier College on the second day of the Baruch College Invitational at Noon.