West Haven, CT- The Lasers fell in a hard-fought match with University of New Haven in five thrilling sets. The teams battled to an incredible 25 extra points throughout the match, taking game two to a 43-41 decision, and the final set determining set was pushed to a 16-14 conclusion. The Chargers improve to 2-1 this season, while the Lasers stand at 2-3.
Sophomore middle hitter Dan Rogers (Belchertown, Mass.) was dominant for Lasell, putting down 13 kills on 26 attempts. Junior outside Andy Cass (Wakefield, RI) notched a double-double with 12 kills and 13 digs and sophomore opposite Matt Roberts (Agawam, Mass.) posted 10 kills over the course of the match. Senior outside David Rogers (Belchertown, Mass.) went .571 hitting and logged 8 kills for the visiting Lasers.
Freshman setter Brendan McGourn (Southington, Conn.) dished out 48 assists and added a game-high 14 digs and 3 kills, and senior libero Joseph Lipski (Burlington, Conn.) dug up 13 balls for the Lasers.
The Lasers took the opening set 30-16 after going up 9-4 on an early 6-0 run and following that with three more scoring rallies to put away the game. The Chargers took the second set in a marathon 43-41 decision. After 15 set points, New Haven's Peter Kaslaz (Allentown, Penn.) put down the winning kill to close in favor of the hosts.
Riding on the energy of the second set, the Chargers went on an 8-1 run midway through the game and left the Lasers behind 30-15. However, the determination of the Lasers came out in the fourth set as they came back to lead throughout the game. Dan Rogers had 5 kills in the set and served an ace to end the set at, 30-17.
In the concluding set, the Lasers battled back from a 6-2 deficit to eventually tie the game at 12-all. Dustin Foster (Ashford, Conn.) made a huge solo block on the Chargers Cheyne Ashline (Ballston Lake, NY) to bring Lasell to game point at 14-13. However, New Haven replied by scoring three unanswered points as Greg Brisbin (Laurel Springs, NJ) put down the final kill of the set to give New Haven the victory.
The Lasers return to action Friday night at Emerson College. Lasell will take on the Lions at 7:00 p.m.