BROOKLYN, NY – The Manhattan Jaspers' Men's Volleyball program (8-13, 5-3 NEC) dropped the backend of the home-and-home to the Sharks of LIU (11-11, 3-3 NEC) in straight sets (20-25, 16-25, 18-25) inside the Steinberg Wellness Center on Saturday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Coming off an emotional loss less than 24 hours prior, the Green and White were poised to open the second match against the Sharks with ease.
- After posting the first six of ten to commence the game, the Sharks responded on their home court with five of the next nine.
- With a one-point lead, the Sharks bounced back with five straight points to take a four-point edge that sported three blocks in the interim.
- The Jaspers gave it right back via the block with net-front presence peeking its head out to make some noise and bring the set within one point.
- In the second set, the Jaspers fell behind, with seven of the first 10 going to the Sharks, before the home team began pulling away down the stretch and extending its lead to as much as 9.
- Tied at five in the third set, Wojtek Nowak's kill put the Jaspers ahead by one point, before going on a mini run with Max Larcheid and Kai Patchell combined for a solo block and kill, respectively, to maintain its lead, and extend it to three.
- With a two-point lead at 13-11, the Sharks put together seven of the next eight to take one more lead and never look back to earn the victory.
STATS AND NOTES
- Freshman opposite Kai Patchell paced the Green and White with nine kills on 19 attempts, with one block, and four digs for a team high 9.5 points.
- Freshman setter Drew Blonski logged 30 set assists, with two kills on four attempts, three blocks, and one dig for 3.5 points.
- Junior outside hitter Wojtek Nowak posted six kills on 14 attempts, with two set assists, one service ace, two blocks, and four digs.
- Freshman middle blocker Max Larcheid added five kills on 11 attempts and two blocks to total 6.5 points.
- The Jaspers led the way with seven blocks, compared to the LIU's six on the afternoon.
NEXT UP:
The Jaspers conclude their inaugural home schedule next weekend, beginning on Friday, April 3, when the Red Flash of Saint Francis (PA) comes to Draddy Gymnasium for a 7 p.m. opening serve. The penultimate regular-season home match can be viewed for free on GoJaspers.com.
Follow Manhattan Men's Volleyball on X and Instagram (@ManhattanMVBall).
