MVB: Lasell splits two matches at Wells College Tournament

AURORA, N.Y. – The Lasell College men's volleyball team split its two matches Saturday afternoon in the Wells College Tournament at the Schwartz Athletic Center, defeating Purchase College after a loss to SUNY Poly, both in three-set matches.

SUNY Poly took the opening match against Lasell by scores of 25-11, 26-24 and 25-23, but the Lasers came back to defeat Purchase by scores of 25-14, 25-14 and 25-6. Lasell completes the two-day tournament with a 6-10 overall record, while SUNY Poly is now 10-7 and Purchase is 2-12.

Lasell was highlighted by senior Jordan Aprea (Newington, Conn.), who made 20 digs in two matches on Saturday, and became the first player in Lasell men's volleyball history to reach the 1,000 career digs milestone.

The Lasers will return to Newton, Massachusetts, for the home opener Tuesday, March 5, against Pine Manor College at the Lasell Athletic Center (6:00 p.m.)

SUNY Poly 3, Lasell 0

After SUNY Poly had a relatively easy victory in the first set, 25-11, the determined Laser squad made a match of it in the second and third sets, pushing the Wildcats to the brink before falling 26-24 and 25-23.

Junior Scott Sterenberg (Oceanside, N.Y.) was Lasell's top hitter with five kills, while sophomore Conor Leary-Watson (Bethany, Conn.) added four and sophomore Dillon DeSouza (Enfield, Conn.) added three. Senior setter Nate Gallo (North Providence, R.I.) finished with nine assists.

Sophomores Greg Monteiro (New Bedford, Mass.) and Aaron Waitekus (Norwood, Mass.) combined on four blocks at the net for the Lasers, and Aprea made 10 digs, pushing him over the 1,000-digs plateau.

Lasell 3, Purchase 0

Sterenberg led the Lasers in the victory with seven kills and a .600 attack percentage (7-1-10). Leary-Watson tallied 12 winners with five kills and a career-high seven service aces. Gallo was a strong contributor on offense with four kills, four aces and 17 assists.  

Aprea reached double figures in digs for the seventh time this season with a team-high 10 digs, pushing his career total up to 1,014, extending the school record.

The first set went back and forth early on until the match was tied 10-10. Lasell went on a rally with 14 of the next 17 points, pulling out a 25-14 decision. The Lasers took an early lead in the second set an 8-2 before upping the advantage up to 10 points (14-4). Lasell went on to take a 25-15 verdict in the middle frame, and finished off the match with an easy 25-6 victory in the final set.

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