Box Score

New Paltz, NY – The Elmira College Men's Volleyball team used a balanced team attack and strong net play to down New York University, 3-1 (25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 25-18) on the first day of the United Volleyball Crossover hosted by SUNY New Paltz. The win improves the No. 15 Soaring Eagles to 13-8 overall and 5-3 in conference play, while the loss drops No. 9 NYU to 8-5 and 6-3.

Elmira got out to a quick start in the first set behind 12 kills and a .258 hitting percentage. Meanwhile, the Violets finished the opening frame with 10 kills and nine errors. The second stanza proved to be a battle as both teams went back-and-forth, but the Purple and Gold prevailed late, 25-23.

The third set belonged to NYU as they pounded out 18 kills to just four errors hitting nearly .500. EC responded to close out the fourth set with a 13 kill-three error frame that saw the team pinpoint its attack attempts to the tune of a .417 hitting percentage.

Erik Griffin '16 tallied 12 kills, eight digs and two service aces, while Ryan Gelenitis '14 floored 11 kills. Rob Shade '15 registered a match-high 12 digs and Michael Vellutato '14 dished out 38 assists.  

The Soaring Eagles held a distinct 17-7 advantage in blocks in the match. Ryan Nerney '14 led the squad with six blocks, while Gelenitis added three.

The Men's Volleyball team returns to action Sunday on the second day of the United Volleyball Crossover as it takes on No. 12 Vassar College at 9:00 a.m. and Bard College at 3:00 p.m.