SPRINGFIELD, Mass. –  Russell Sage College had three players record six or more kills at this afternoon's American International College tri-match. The Gators (3-5) fell to Nichols and the host Yellow Jackets by 3-0 scores.

Junior outside hitter Corey Topple (Hudson, NY/Hudson), who was named the NECC Rookie of the Week on Monday, topped RSC with 13 kills on .206 hitting, and two aces. Freshman defensive specialist Camden Knight (Delanson, NY/Burnt Hills) contributed seven kills and 10 digs, while senior middle hitter Andrew Samson (Queens, NY/Pathways) (above) added six kills.

Setter Ryan Jennings (North Brunswick, NJ/North Brunswick Twp.), a graduate student, registered 22 assists and 11 digs on the day.

Nichols (4-2), under the direction of former Gator Casey Fitzpatrick '18, hit .452 as a team in the opener. Senior outside hitter Collin Hunter topped the Bison with eight kills on .6366 hitting and five aces.

American International (1-4) had two players tally double-digit kills in its home win. Freshman outside hitter John Rivera Ortiz totaled 15 kills, while freshman middle Ben Warren finished 11 rallies.

Looking ahead, RSC competes next on Saturday at the Elmira Tournament.

Notes: The Gators went almost 700 days without playing due to the COVID-19 pandemic…RSC is making its debut as an associate member of the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) this season…League coaches picked the Gators to finish sixth in the NECC…The spring also marks the maiden voyage with Reid Hartl at the helm of the program…He took over as head coach in October 2021…Two players, senior opposite Deshawn Fleary (Newark, NJ/Immaculate Conception Montclair), and Jennings returned from the 2020 RSC team…Jennings began the campaign second in program records with 1,696 career assists…Kyle Ray '13 has the top spot with 2,910 career assists. 

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