Quincy, MA - The Lasell Men's Volleyball team opened their season by splitting their two matches in a tri-match being hosted by Eastern Nazarene. The Lasers fell in their first match of the day to #23 MIT by a score of 26-24, 26-24, 25-20, but bounced back against the hosts with a 25-17, 25-16, 27-25 victory.
In a battle between two ranked teams, the first set couldn't have been closer. The two teams went back and forth, with the largest lead being a three point lead for MIT. Things were all tied at 24, when MIT won the final two points to take the first set 26-24.
The second set was no different, as the two teams continued to answer each other. This set saw ties at two, three, four, five, six, seven, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 23, and 24, before MIT was once agin able to score the final two points and take their second straight set by a score of 26-24.
With things tied at eight, MIT would use a 5-1 run to take control of the third set. While the Lasers would fight, they were unable to close that gap, and would fall in the third set 25-20.
Leading the way for the Lasers on offense was Jordan Shinaut, as he collected 15 kills on 31 attacks. Assisting on most of those was Jesus Garcia, as he had 35 assists. Defensively Alex Weinhaus led the way with nine digs, while Tucker Merritt added three blocks.
MATCH TWO
In the second match of the day, things were close early, as the Lasers led 10-9. But they would assert their dominance from that point forward, using a 10-2 run to take control at 20-11. They would ultimately take the first set 25-17.
The second set was a similar story, as the Lasers grabbed an early 5-1 lead, and never looked back. They would coast to a second set win by a score of 25-16.
The third set proved to be the closest set of the match, as there were ties at four, five, six, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. The Lasers would eventually be able to grab control, and scored the final three points to win the set 27-25, giving them the match.
It was a well rounded attack for the Lasers as Jordan Shinaut led the team with 13 kills. Behind him was Dexter Thomas (9), David Massa (7), and Brenden Joyce (7). Following up his 35 assists in the earlier match, Jesus Garcia put up 39 assists in the second match. Defensively, Garcia also led the team with six digs, tied with Brenden Joyce. Joyce, Thomas, and Carter Phillips each had four block assists, with Thomas also adding a solo block.
Up Next - The Lasers will return home next Saturday, January 28th, as they host matches against conference opponent Regis (11am), and 10th ranked Rutgers-Newark (3pm).