Men's Volleyball: Lasers outlast No. 1-ranked Springfield, 3-1, in statement win

NEWTON, Mass. - The Lasell University men's volleyball team proved it can compete with the best in the nation Tuesday evening, as the Lasers outlasted No. 1-ranked Springfield, 3-1, in front of a roaring crowd at the Athletic Center.

The men's volleyball team (11-5, 5-0 GNAC) earned its first win in program history over Springfield (13-1) and it was also the first time that the squad earned a victory over the No. 1-ranked team in the nation. Lasell was the first team to defeat Springfield since Wentworth accomplished the feat on April 10, 2021.

"Going into today we knew it was going to be a battle," said Lasell University Men's Volleyball Head Coach Jeff Vautrin. "Springfield was ranked No. 1 in the nation going into this match and has been undefeated all year. We have been improving all year and going into this match we were undefeated at home, so we knew someone's streak was ending tonight." 

Freshman Jordan Shinaut, who has earned back-to-back Great Northeast Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week awards, finished with a match-high 15 kills for the Lasers. Junior Brenden Joyce compiled 14 kills, seven digs, three block assists and two solo blocks. The five total blocks tied a career-high and the two solo blocks were a personal-best.

"It was an unbelievable game all around," said Joyce. "We started slow, but picked it up in the middle of the first set. Again our energy on and off the court was electric and kept us up even if we were down. Toward the last two sets, the crowd played a big role, as it was loud and helped our mental game."

The Lasers, who have received votes in back-to-back editions of the NVA/AVCA Men's Division III Coaches' poll, have won nine straight matches and 11-of-12, dating back to Jan. 22. Lasell has also earned six GNAC weekly awards this season.

On Tuesday, junior setter Jesus Garcia posted a match-leading 40 assists, to go along with six digs. Junior Tucker Merritt tallied nine kills, three block assists and two solo blocks. Freshman Alex Weinhaus recorded a team-leading 10 digs and freshman Theo Zaharewicz contributed with nine kills. Lasell led the kills category, 53-45, while each team recorded 12 total blocks.

"Our guys did their jobs," said Vautrin. "Garcia set an absolute great game tonight. Jan Baranowski and Merritt were monsters offensively and they helped to slow down Springfield's offense to a low hitting percentage of .255. Our pins did their job to perfection and established themselves once again as one of the more dominant pin hitters in the nation. I am extremely proud of this group, and I am really looking forward to how we grow throughout the rest of the season."

Liam York led the way with a team-high 13 kills for Springfield, while Brennen Brandow registered 12 kills and 11 digs. Matt Lilley led the visitors with 32 assists and Johjan Mussa Robles posted a match-leading 12 digs.

Springfield raced out to a 5-0 lead in the first set. The Lasers stuck to the game plan and took a 17-15 lead, as a kill by Merritt concluded a 7-0 surge. Merritt came through in the clutch, smashing the game-clinching kill to give the Lasers a 25-22 first-set victory.

The second set went down to the wire, as Lasell rallied from a 21-17 deficit to force extra points. On five separate occasions, the Lasers showcased their resiliency, fighting off match points. In the end, three consecutive points by the Pride gave Springfield a 31-29 win and evened the match at 1-1.

Lasell regrouped and came out with a strong third set, taking a 20-15 advantage on a kill by Zaharewicz. A kill by Joyce gave the hosts a 25-19 triumph.

Springfield held a 14-13 lead in the fourth set, but the Lasers put together a phenomenal run, scoring 12 of the set's final 15 points. A kill by Joyce secured the match and gave the unit a 25-17 win in the final set.

The Lasers will face another tough task Thursday, as they take on No. 12-ranked Wentworth at 7 p.m. in Boston.

Director of Athletic Communications Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lasell.edu.

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