NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – Russell Sage College prepared for the playoffs by facing a pair of nationally-ranked opponents at Saturday's SUNY New Paltz tri-match. The Gators fell to #8 Saint John Fisher and the host Hawks, coming in at #16 in the AVCA Coaches' Poll, by 3-0 scores.
Opposite Deshawn Fleary, a grad student, (Newark, NJ/Immaculate Conception Montclair) totaled 14 kills on .323 hitting across the six sets.
Outside hitter Jarod Martel (Albany, NY/Colonie Central), a grad student, registered 14 kills and 10 digs, while freshman outside hitter Dylan Fox (Albany, NY/Colonie), the New England Volleyball Conference Rookie of the Week, recorded 10 kills, 16 digs, three total blocks, and three aces.
Junior setter Jack McWilliam (Fishkill, NY/Arlington) dished out 37 assists, while freshman middle hitter Michael Bruyette (Cobleskill, NY/Cobleskill-Richmondville) blocked seven SJFU (25-5) and New Paltz (17-13) attacks.
The nationally-ranked squads hit a combined .308 and totaled 26 aces in their victories.
Looking ahead, the Gators (7-21/2-5 NEVC) earned the six seed in the NEVC Championship Tournament. RSC will play at Endicott, the three seed, in Tuesday's Quarterfinal. Start time is slated for 7:00 pm.
Gator Bites: 2024 marked the Gators first as members of the New England Volleyball Conference…League coaches picked RSC, under the direction of Reid Hartl, to finish sixth in the NEVC…The roster, which has six returnees from last season, boasts plenty of local flavor with eight student-athletes hailing from Section 2…Hartl, now in his third season, added seven newcomers to the roster, including four freshmen…Four grad students are the roster, including co-captains: Fleary and Martel…Fox was selected the NEVC Rookie of the Week four times this spring…He earned the accolade for the periods ending January 21, February 11, March 24, and April 1.
Gator Golf: The 19th Annual Gator Golf Classic will be held May 31, 2024. More Information: https://www.sagegators.com/
