Men’s Volleyball Swept In Season Opening Doubleheader

Men’s Volleyball Swept In Season Opening Doubleheader

MARCY, N.Y. – The Wells College men's volleyball team suffered a season opening sweep at the hands of Sage College and D'Youville College Friday evening to open up the 2013 SUNYIT Invitational. The Express drop to 0-1 overall on the season while both Sage and D'Youville open up their non-conference schedule with 1-0 records.

In the opener against Sage, the Express lost by set scores of 25-22, 25-22 and 25-15. Wells, however, opened up the first set with a 6-0 run to begin their season. From there, however, the Express went on to drop the next two sets by only three points before falling in the third and decisive set.

Sophomore Paul Hernon (New Hartford, N.Y.) led the way with a team-best .500 hitting percentage, converting six of his 12 total attacks for kills without making a single error. Freshman J.J. Podczasy (Macungie, Pa.) recorded a team-leading nine kills in 17 total attacks while classmate Derek Nipps (Turnersville, N.J.) also chipped in with seven kills to his credit. Nipps also led the way with 15 total assists while junior setter C.J. Bayly (Waymart, Pa.) ranked second with 12 helpers. Defensively, Podczasy, freshman John Faruggia (Mt. Markham, N.Y.) and freshman Winston Papoe (Bronx, N.Y.) each scooped three digs apiece.

In the opening game of the season, Bayly also set a program record with eight aces in one game. Additionally, the team's 36 kills and 32 assists rank second all-time in single game program history.

Andy Fishman posted 18 kills against the Express, leading Sage to the three set victory. Kyle Ray posted 27 assists while Cory Gransbury contributed defensively with nine digs to his credit. As a team, Sage hit a collective .286, hammering home 35 kills on 70 attacks alongside only 15 errors.

The Express were able keep all three of the set scores close, but eventually fell to D'Youville in three sets 25-19, 25-22 and 25-21. As a whole, the team hit .167 after posting 30 kills in 84 chances. Podczasy once again led the way with 11 kills for a .304 hitting percentage, tying him for third all-time in single game program history.

Nipps posted 14 assists to led the way while Bayly ranked second with 12 to his credit. Defensively, freshman Tyler Wiley (York, Pa.) notched 10 of his team's 35 digs. Sophomore Andrew Jacobs (Millburn, N.J.) ranked second on the team with eight kills for a .120 hitting percentage. Faruggia converted four service aces in 17 attempts to lead the team in that category.

The Express return to action Saturday, Jan. 26 as they will face-off in two contests to conclude the 2013 SUNYIT Invitational. For the official tournament website, click here (http://wildcats.sunyit.edu/sports/mvball/2012-13/releases/2013_SUNYIT_Invite). Stay up to date with the latest news directly from the Wells College athletic department by "liking" us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WellsExpress) and subscribing to our Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/WellsExpress).