New York, NY – The Elmira College Men's Volleyball team split matches on the second day of the Baruch College Invitational on Sunday. The Soaring Eagles fell 3-1 to Rivier College (16-25, 23-25, 25-22, 18-25), while sweeping No. 12 Baruch College (22-25, 28-26, 25-16, 25-20). The split improved EC to 14-10 overall on the season.

 

In EC's first match of the day they struggled to find its offense allowing Rivier to control the set, 25-16. In the second set the match became much closer as the Soaring Eagles fought hard, but could not convert late losing the set, 25-23. In the third set Elmira found its offensive attack and held off the Raiders, 25-22. However, the Raiders proved to be too much as they dominated the fourth set, 25-18, to win the match.    

 

In EC's second match of the day the offense started off much stronger, but was not able to hold of the Baruch Bearcats from winning the first set, 25-22. In the second frame the match stayed very close, but Elmira edged the Bearcats late, 28-26. In the third and fourth sets EC carried its momentum to win the final two sets and the match.  

 

Mike Stianche '15 (Bethlehem, PA -- Bethlehem Catholic) led the Soaring Eagles with 39 kills, eight digs and three blocks. Ryan Gelentis '14 (Brick, NJ -- Christian Brothers Academy) added 21 kills, five aces, eight digs and three blocks. Michael Vellutato '14 (Topanga, CA -- Redondo Union) played outstanding contributing 93 assists, 11 digs and eight blocks.

 

The Elmira College Men's Volleyball team will return home on Wednesday to take on Hilbert College in conference at 6:00 p.m. in Speidel Gymnasium.