Cambridge, MA – The EC Men's Volleyball won both its matches on the first day of the MIT Tournament on Friday in Cambridge. The Soaring Eagles won in dominating fashion over Southern Vermont College, 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-18), then strived to another victory against Philadelphia Biblical University, 3-1 (25-21, 25-18, 19-25, 25-22). The Purple and Gold improve to 21-15 on the season.
 
In the first match against Southern Vermont, the Soaring Eagles dominated and took advantage of its offensive opportunities. The Mountaineers found some momentum in the second set and came close to tying the match at 1-1, but EC was able to close out the set and then win the third set for the victory. Ryan Gelenitis '14 (Brick, NJ -- Christian Brothers Academy) led Elmira with 13 kills, one ace, four digs, one solo block and one assisted block. Also contributing to the offense were Ryan Nerney '14 (Niskayuna, NY -- Niskayuna) and Ladislav Lelkes '15 (Bratislava, SVK -- Esprit). Nerney tallied six kills and hit .556 from the floor, while Lelkes recorded seven kills, one dig and three assisted blocks.
 
Against PBU, the Purple and Gold continued to dominate as it won the first two sets without a problem. In the third set it was a better for EC and went in favor of the Crimson Eagles. However, the Soaring Eagles were able to close out the match late in the fourth set to seal another victory. Gelenitis led the attack once again recording 16 kills, two aces, four digs, one solo block and three assisted blocks. Tyler Smith '15 (North Syracuse, NY -- Pace Bootlegger) and Lelkes also played well. Smith contributed 10 kills, one ace, four digs and two total blocks, while Lelkes contributed five kills and no errors hitting an impressive .833.
 
The EC Men's Volleyball team will return to action tomorrow for the second day of the MIT Tournament when it takes on Emmanuel College and No. 2 Springfield College at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.