Men's Volleyball Cruises Past Newbury

BROOKLINE, Mass. – The Wentworth Institute of Technology men's volleyball team set a program record with its sixth straight win to start the season as the Leopards defeated Newbury, 3-0. Freshman opposite hitter Sam Pisker (Mullica Hill, N.J.) led the Leopards to victory, hitting .600 on the night recording a match-high seven kills on 10 attempts with just one error.

Wentworth wasted no time and set the tone of the match early. First year outside hitter Jake Reed (Arvada, Colo.) powered the Leopard offense registering a set-high seven kills while junior middle blocker Sean Donahue (Lincoln, R.I.) anchored the defensive line tallying three total blocks – one solo, two assisted as the Leopards claimed the first set 25-10.

Reed sparked a 6-0 Leopard run with back-to-back service aces to begin game two and give Wentworth an 8-1 cushion before Newbury first year middle hitter Billy Stephen (Windermere, Fla.) answered with a kill to break up the scoreless stretch. The Nighthawks battled valiantly, cutting the Leopard lead down to six midway through the set, but it was as close as they got. Along with Reed, Wentworth first year middle hitter Alex Potts (Niverville, N.Y.) was perfect from the floor registering a second set-high, three kills on three attempts to lead the Leopards to the 25-13 victory.

With a commanding 2-0 advantage, Wentworth looked in control of the third set, grabbing a quick 6-1 lead but the Nighthawks were not going to go away quickly. Stephen lit a fire and ignited a 6-0 Nighthawk run which included three service aces from junior outside hitter Chi Yin Li (Framingham, Mass.) to knot up the game at 7-7.

Newbury hung tough against Wentworth matching them point-for-point midway through the third set. However, the Leopards proved to be too much, pulling away with an 8-1 run to take a 18-11 lead as they cruised to the 25-16 third set victory.

Reed also finished the night with seven kills on 12 attempts and just two errors for an outstanding .417 attack percentage while Donahue followed up with five kills and powered the Leopard defense with six total blocks – one solo and five assisted.

Stephen led the Nighthawks recording a career single-match high seven kills on 19 attempts. Li followed up with four kills while senior setter Pat Robidoux (Barrington, R.I.) powered the Nighthawk offense tallying 12 assists.

Wentworth hosts Southern Vermont on Saturday, while Newbury (0-7) hosts Emerson Friday night.

(Recap courtesy of Newbury Sports Information)